Range Plant Community Types and Carrying Capacity for the … · 2016-03-03 · i RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES AND CARRYING CAPACITY FOR THE MONTANE SUBREGION Sixth approximation (Please

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPESAND CARRYING CAPACITY FOR THEMONTANE SUBREGION OF ALBERTA

SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTPUBLIC LANDS AND FORESTS DIVISION

i

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES AND CARRYING CAPACITYFOR THE MONTANE SUBREGION

Sixth approximation

(Please note this edition is a revision of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th approximations of the Rangeplant community types and carrying capacity for the Montane subregion.

Pub. no. T/343, T/433, T/589, T/033, )

2005

Prepared by

Michael G. Willoughby,

Michael J. Alexander

and

Barry W. Adams

Edmonton Sustainable Resource Development2005 Public Lands Division

ii

Pub. no.: T/071ISBN: 0-7785-4061-8 (Printed edition)ISBN: 0-7785-4062-4 (On-line edition)

For copies of this report contact:

Michael Willoughby 9920 108 st, 4th FloorEdmonton, Alta.T5K2M4(780) 422-4598

E-mail: [email protected]

This guide is also available on-line at: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/srd/land/m_rm_classification.html

iii

Photo 1. Rolling topography of the Montane subregion: This illustrates the grassland-shrublandand grassland-forest ecotones of the Montane subregion.

iv

Table of contents

PageIntroduction 1

Climate of Montane subregion 1

Approach and Methods of Classification 2

Range management concepts and methods 5

How to use guide 6

Results 46

Montane Grassland Ecology 47

Key to native grasslands 56

Key to grassland community types in the Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts 58

Key to the grassland communities in the Cypress Hills ecodistrict 59

A. Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts grassland community types 60

A1. Fringed sage/Junegrass 61A2. Northern wheatgrass-Sheep fescue 62A3. Small-leaved everlasting/Junegrass 63A4. Creeping juniper/Northern wheat grass-Columbia needle grass 64A5. Prairie selaginella/Richardson needlegrass 65A6. Kentucky bluegrass-June grass/Dandelion 66A7. Bearberry-Juniper 67A8. Prickly rose-Snowberry 68

Ya Ha Tinda Area 69A9. Tufted hairgrass-Sedge 70A10. Bog birch/Sedge-Rough fescue 71A11. Rough fescue-Fringed brome-Sedge 72A12. Rough fescue-Sedge-Junegrass 73A13. Sedge-Junegrass 74A14. Creeping red fescue-Timothy 75

v

B. Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts grassland community types 76

B1. Rough fescue-Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass 77B2. Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue 78B3. Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge 79B4. Rough fescue-Sedge/Bearberry 80B5. Big sagebrush/B. wheatgrass-Sedge 81B6. Saskatoon-Rose-Snowberry/Bearberry 82B6a. Snowberry-Rose-Saskatoon 83B7. Pinegrass-Hairy wildrye/Strawberry 84B8. Douglas fir/Idaho fescue-Rough fescue 85B9. Douglas fir/Idaho fescue-Sandberg bluegrass 86B10. Aw/Strawberry/Rough fescue 87B11. Thimbleberry brush 88B12. Beaked-Water Sedge 89B12a. Awned Sedge 90B13. Tufted hairgrass-Baltic rush 91B13a. Baltic rush 92B14. Forb meadows 93B15. Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye 94B16. Big sagebrush-Buckthorn/Kentucky bluegrass 95B17. Creeping spike rush 96B18. Small fruited bulrush 97B19. Great bulrush 98B20. Cattail 99A7. Bearberry-Juniper 100

C. Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts disturbed grassland community types 101

C1. Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge 102C1a. Sedge-Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescue 103C2. Canada bluegrass-Rough fescue 104C3. Kentucky bluegrass-Rough fescue 105C4. Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion 106C5. Smooth brome-Kentucky bluegrass 107C6. Blunt sedge/Little clubmoss/Moss phlox 108C6a. Little clubmoss/Sedge 109C7. Creeping red fescue/Dandelion-Clover 110C8. Northern wheatgrass-Kentucky bluegrass 111C9. Rough fescue-Kentucky bluegrass 112C10. Rough fescue-Sedge-Mountain brome 113C11 Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass 114C12 Aw/Orchardgrass-Kentucky bluegrass 115

vi

C13. Sedge-Junegrass-Bluebunch wheatgrass 116

D. Montane Shrubland ecology 117

Key to Montane shrublands 119

D1. Yellow mountain avens-River alder/Low forb 122D2. Yellow mountain avens/Junegrass 123D2a. Drummond’s willow 124D3. Bebb willow/Hairy wildrye 125D3a Bebb willow/Sedge 126D4. Bebb willow/Kentucky bluegrass 127D5. Green alder-Scouler's willow-Wild red raspberry 128D6. Flat leaved willow/Quackgrass-Kentucky bluegrass 129D7. Flat leaved willow/Horsetail/Sedge 130D8. Myrtle leaved willow/Sedge 131D9. Basket willow/Sedge 132D9a. Basket willow/Kentucky bluegrass 133D10. Dwarf birch-Shrubby cinquefoil/Northern valerian/Sedge 134D11. White spruce-Willow/Water sedge/Golden moss 135D12. Black spruce/Myrtle leaved willow/Wire rush-Sedge/Moss 136D13. Water birch-Smooth willow/Pinegrass 137D14. Hawthorn-Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass 138

Montane forest ecology 139

E. Coniferous community types 140

Key to the Coniferous Community types of the Montane subregion 146

E1. Pf/Rough fescue 147E2. Pf-Fd/Juniper/Bearberry 148E3. Pl/Bearberry-Juniper 149E4. Sw-Pl/Alder/Bearberry 150E5. Pl/Buffaloberry/Pinegrass 151E6. Fd/Hairy wildrye 152E6a Fd/Needle litter 153E6b Fd/Timothy 154E7. Pl/Low Bilberry/Hairy wildrye 155E8. Pl/White meadowsweet 156E9. Pl/Pinegrass 157E10. Sw-Fd/White meadowsweet 158E10a Fd/Snowberry 159E11. Pl/Moss 160

vii

E12. Sw/Moss 161E12a. Sw/Horsetail 162E12b. Sw/Silverberry/Horsetail 163E13. Pl/Thimbleberry 164E14. Pl/Thimbleberry/Beargrass 165E15. Pl/River alder-Thimbleberry 166E16. Sw/Thimbleberry 167E17. Sb-Lt/Labrador tea 168

CastleE18. Se/Grouseberry 169E19. Se/Moss 170E20. Fa-Pl-Sw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass 171E21. Fa-Se/Arnica 172E22. Se/Clover-Oxeye daisy 173

F. Mixedwood community types 174

Key to the Mixedwood community types of the Montane subregion 175

F1. Aw-Fd/Bearberry 176F2. Sw-Pl-Pb/Yellow Mtn. avens 177F3. Aw-Pl/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye 178F4. Aw-Pl/Pinegrass 179F4a Fd-Aw/Pinegrass 180F5. Aw-Sw/Blueberry 181F6. Aw-Fd/White meadowsweet 182F7. Aw-Pb-Sw/Pinegrass 183F8. Aw-Fa/Snowberry/Pinegrass 184F8a Aw-Pl/Marsh reedgrass 185F9. Pl-Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass 186F10. Aw-Fa-Se/Timothy 187F11. Spruce-Pb/Snowberry 188F12. Sw-Aw/Scouring rush 189

G. Deciduous community types 190

Key to the Deciduous community of the Montane subregion 191

G1. Aw/Bearberry/Rough fescue 192G2. Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye 193G3. Aw/Hairy wildrye 194G4. Aw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass 195G5. Aw/Rose/Pinegrass 196

viii

G6. Aw/Pinegrass-Kentucky bluegrass 197G7. Aw/Timothy-Kentucky bluegrass 198G8. Aw/Snowberry-Saskatoon 199G9. Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass 200G9a Aw-Pb/Marsh reedgrass 201G10. Aw/Thimbleberry 202G11. Aw/Cow parsnip 203G12. Pb/Thimbleberry 204G13. Pb/Cowparsnip/Kentucky bluegrass 205G14. Pb/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass 206G15. Aw/Birch-Willow 207

H. Cutblocks 208Cutblocks in Gap area

H1. Pine blocks 210H2. Pine-Spruce blocks 211

Cutblocks in Castle area

H3. Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy 212H4. Creeping red fescue 213H5. Beaked sedge 214H6. Subalpine fir 215H7. Pine-Spruce/Pinegrass 216

Cutblocks in Porcupine Hills

H8. Spruce-Pine blocks 217H9. Douglas-fir blocks 218H10. Scarified blocks 219

I. Cypress Hills community types 220

Key to the grassland community types of the Cypress Hills 223

I1. Foothills fescue-Western Porcupine grass 224I2. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Intermediate oatgrass 225I3. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue/Golden bean 226I4. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Idaho fescue 227I5. Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy 228I6. Silverberry/Kentucky bluegrass 229I7. Pl-Aw/Bunchberry/Moss 230

ix

Literature cited 231

Appendix one: Stocking rate conversion table 235

List of Figures

Figure 1. Layout of the Ecological Classification System for Alberta 4

Figure 2. Edatopic grid and ecological sites for the Montane subregion 15

Figure 3. Ecology of the grassland community types in the Foothills ecodistricts of the Montane subregion 54

Figure 4. Ecological sequence of the grassland-forest transition communities in the Montane subregion 55

Figure 5. Landscape profile of the Montane shrubland community types 120

Figure 6. Ecological sequence of the Montane subregion along an environmental gradient 140

Figure 7. Landscape profile of the forested community types in the Montanesubregion 144

List of Tables

Table 1. Ecological sites, ecological site phases and plant community types for theMontane subregion. 8

Table 2. Grassland community types of the Montane subregion 48

Table 3. Shrubland community types of the Montane subregion 118

Table 4. Forested community types of the Montane subregion 141

Table 5. Cutblock community types of the Montane subregion 209

Table 6. Plant community types of the Cypress Hills ecodistrict 222

List of Maps

x

Map 1. Location of Montane subregion in Alberta 2

List of Photos

Photo 1. Rolling topography of the Montane subregion: Illustrates the grassland-shrubland and grassland-forest ecotones Cover

Photo 2. Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts. This is a typicalgrassland of south-facing slopes in Jasper National Park 60

Photo 3. Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts. Typical grasslands of south-facingslopes and meadows in the Ya Ha Tinda. 69

Photo 4. Blairmore foothills ecodistrict: Limber pine scattered through-out a Rough fescue-Sedge/Bearberry grassland 76

Photo 5. Blairmore foothills ecodistrict: A moderately grazed Idahofescue-Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue grassland. 76

Photo 6. Blairmore foothills ecodistrict: This is an overgrazed grassland.Kentucky bluegrass, dandelion and clover dominate this community type 101

Photo 7. Montane shrublands: This represents a Basket willow-Bog birch/Sedgecommunity type. These shrublands are found in valley depressions and

are wet for much of the year. 121

Photo 8. Conifer: This represents a Douglas-fir-White spruce community type.Where the canopy opens up, grasses are fairly abundant and provide goodforage for wildlife and livestock. In the absence of disturbance, this sitewill succeed to white spruce 145

Photo 9. Mixedwood: This is an aspen forest succeeding to white spruce. Thereis a good forage base under the aspen, however, as the spruce cover increases, productivity will decline and this site will become non-use 174

Photo 10. Deciduous: This is an Aspen/Cow parsnip community type. 190

Photo 11. This photo is typical of the mosaic of plant communities in theCypress Hills 220

xi

Abstract

The Montane subregion is one of the most diverse subregions within the province ofAlberta. The ecological diversity of this subregion creates a landscape that consists of a mosaicof different vegetative communities. This diversity means that these lands are valued for amultitude of uses, including summer range for livestock, prime habitat for many species ofwildlife, productive watersheds, wood fibre production and recreation. Despite the importanceof many of the vegetation types in the Montane for livestock grazing, there is little informationavailable on how grazing influences the plant community. There is little information on forageproductivity, carrying capacity and the associated community types that develop throughsuccession or from disturbance including grazing. This lack of information makes it difficult todevelop management prescriptions. As a result "Carrying capacity guides" are being developedfor each natural and subregion in the province to provide a framework that would easily groupthe vegetative community types. It is hoped this classification system can be used by field staffto assess carrying capacity and evaluate range health on lands within each region.

This guide represents the analysis of 1292 plots described in the Montane subregion Thisguide also includes plots done in the Montane subregion of Banff and Jasper National Parks, 8new community types described in the Ya Ha Tinda area west of Sundre and 7 community typesdescribed in the Cypress Hills. The 1292 plots represent 141 community types. These types aresplit into:

A. Native grasslands (Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts) 14 types

B. Native grasslands (Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts) 23 types

C. Disturbed grasslands (Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts) 15 types

D. Native shrublands 17 types

E. Conifer types 26 types

F. Mixedwood types 13 types

G. Deciduous types 16 types

H. Cutblocks 10 types

I. Cypress Hills ecodistrict 7 types

The dominant plant species, canopy cover, environmental conditions, response to grazing, forage production and carrying capacity are outlined for each type.

xii

Acknowledgements

The creation of this report would not be possible without data collected in other projects. We would like to acknowledge Parks Canada for allowing us to use data from the EcologicalLand Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks (Holland and Coen 1982). Much of thegrassland and shrubland vegetation data collected by Ian Corns and Peter Achuff wereincorporated into the Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts of this guide. We would like toacknowledge the work done by Bill Thompson and Paul Hansen who completed theClassification and Management of Riparian and Wetland Sites of Alberta’s Grassland NaturalRegion. All plots done in the Montane subregion for this riparian classification were included inthis guide. We would like to acknowledge the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve RangeAssociation for their continued support in supplying inventory data for the update of the variousguides found in the Forest Reserve of Southwestern Alberta. We would also like toacknowledge the work of Lindsay Poulin and Darlene Moisey on the Cypress Hills classificationand Karen Sundquist on the shrubland classification.

1

Introduction

The province of Alberta is covered by a broad spectrum of vegetation regions fromprairie in the South, to alpine vegetation in the mountains and dense forests in the Central andNorthern part of the province. These broad vegetation regions have been classified into 20subregions for the province (Strong and Thompson 1995). Each of the 20 subregions consists ofgroups of plant communities which are influenced by environmental conditions and humanimpacts. Intensive management of these regions requires the ability to recognize the vegetativecommunities that have similar productivities and respond to disturbance in the same way. Theincrease in use of Alberta's northern forests has recently stimulated efforts to develop detailedclassification systems. Some of these classification systems include "Field guide to Forestecosystems of West Central Alberta" (Corns and Annas 1986) and "Field Guide to Ecosites ofSouthwestern Alberta" (Archibald et al. 1996).

The vegetative communities in the province of Alberta are highly regarded by mostresource managers for their ability to provide a wide variety of benefits. They are a classicexample of multiple use land, providing summer range for livestock, prime habitat for manyspecies of wildlife, wood fibre, productive watersheds and recreational areas. Despite theimportance of these vegetation types for livestock grazing, there is little information available onhow grazing affects their production. Specifically, there is little data on the levels of utilizationwhich are detrimental to a plant communities health. There is also little information on forageproductivity, carrying capacity and associated community types that occurs with grazing. Traditionally, these community types have been rated at 5 ac/AUM or 60 ac/head/year, butrecent work has shown that productivity can vary significantly depending upon the ecologicalconditions of the site.

The purpose of this guide was to develop a framework that would easily group thevegetative community types in the Montane subregion of the province. The ultimate goal is aclassification system that can be used by the field staff to assess carrying capacity and evaluaterange health on lands within the region.

Climate of Montane subregion

The Montane subregion composes only 0.9 percent of the province and is found in anarea south of Chain Lakes to the Montana border, portions of the Bow and Athabasca rivervalleys and isolated areas near Ya Ha Tinda and Grande Cache (Map 1) (Strong and Leggat1992). The Montane is distinguished from the other subregions by the presence of Douglas-fir(Pseudotsuga menziesii), limber pine (Pinus flexilis) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Elevationally the Montane occurs below the Subalpine in the mountains and above the FoothillsFescue grass and Aspen parkland subregions in southern Alberta.

Yearly precipitation ranges 308 mm to 1279 mm with two precipitation peaks occurringin May-June and again in August-September (Strong 1992). Summer monthly temperaturesaverage 11.9oC and are 2oC warmer than the Subalpine and 2oC colder than the Foothills Fescuegrass subregions. The Montane has the warmest winter temperatures of any forested region in

2

Alberta because of chinook activity and reduced influence of Arctic air (Strong 1992).

Map 1. Location of Montane subregion in Alberta

Approach and Methods of Classification

Approach: Ecological classification hierarchy and terminology

The system of classification in this guide was initially based on the community typeapproach of Mueggler (1988). Mueggler’s system was chosen over the habitat type approach(Daubenmire 1952) or ecosystem association approach (Corns and Annas 1986) because it couldclassify plant communities irregardless of their successional status. However, as the philosophyof rangeland health and proper functioning condition of a site evolved, it became apparent(through data analysis) that there was a need to also organize the various plant communitiesbased on their response to disturbance (i.e. disturbance vs. natural succession) within an areaunder similar environmental influences.

It was determined that the ecosystem classification system developed by Corns andAnnas (1986) and Beckingham et al. (1996) could accommodate this additional requirement. Thus, the new system developed for rangelands is a combination of Mueggler (1988) andBeckingham et al. (1996). Consequently, this guide adopts a similar ecological unitclassification hierarchy (ecosite, ecosite phase, plant community). In an effort to first, link thehierarchical system with the historic rangeland system, and second, to create a provinciallystandardized rangeland approach, slightly different classification terminology was developed. The new terms ecological site and ecological site phase (replacing Beckingham et al.’s [1996]

3

ecosite and ecosite phase terms respectively), provide subtle distinction to recognize theblending of the old systems and still be recognizable to readers familiar with the originalterminology. See figure 1 for a flow chart of both classification and general presentation ofinformation.

Methods: Plant community classification

Sampling for this guide occurred within the Montane subregion . This guide outlines theclassification of 1292 plots described from 1991 to 2004 .

The procedure for inventory of plots followed the Range Survey Manual (1992) and usesthe MF5 form. A plot consisted of a 10 m x 10 m macroplot and ten randomly selected 1 m x 1m microplots to record the canopy cover of shrubs and ten nested 20 cm x 50 cm microplots torecord the canopy cover of forbs and grass. The data for each site was analyzed using themultivariate analysis techniques of classification and ordination. Classification is the assignmentof samples to classes or groups based on the similarity of species. A polythetic agglomerativeapproach was used to group the samples. This technique assigns each sample to a cluster whichhas a single measure. It then agglomerates these clusters into a hierarchy of larger and largerclusters until finally a single cluster contains all the samples (Gauch 1982). Cluster analysis wasperformed in SAS and Euclidean distance was used as the Cluster Distance Measure and Ward’smethod was used in the Group Linkage Method. The groupings generated in cluster analysiswere overlain on the site ordination to determine final groupings. Ordination was used to findrelationships among species, communities and environmental variables. Ordination reduces thedimensionality of the data to 1-3 most important axes to which environmental gradients can beassigned. The ordination technique used in the analysis of the data was DECORANA(Detrended Correspondence Analysis). DECORANA detrends and rescales the axes therebyreducing the arching and compression of axes problems associated with other ordinationtechniques (Reciprocal averaging, Principle Components Analysis). Once final groupings weredetermined on the ordination specific environmental variables can be assigned to the variationoutlined on the ordination axes.

Plant community type summaries were generated in SAS, by averaging plant speciescomposition, range in composition, and percent constancy of occurrence, among vegetationinventory plots which were part of a community type. Environmental data was subsequentlysorted into the same plant community groupings to create the plant community descriptionsoutlined in this guide. The number of sample plots on which the description was based is alsoprovided (e.g. n=16).

4

Figure 1. Layout of the Ecological Classification System for Alberta

5

Range Management Concepts and Methods

Ecologically sustainable stocking rates

Ecologically sustainable stocking rates (ESSR) values are suggested for each plantcommunity. These values reflect the maximum number of livestock (e.g. hectares(ha)/animalunit month(AUM)) that can be supported by the plant community given inherent biophysicalconstraints and the ecological goal of sustainable health and proper functioning of the plantcommunity. When the ESSR is multiplied by the area (e.g. ha) of a plant community polygonthe result is termed carrying capacity (CC), and is expressed as AUMs. Often the CC must beadjusted for management factors (e.g. reduced livestock distribution), management goals (e.g.improve rangeland health, multiple use and values, etc.), drought conditions, and other naturalphenomena impacting the site (e.g. forage quality, fire, pests, etc.). This adjusted/reduced valueis the grazing capacity (GC). The GC values are not provided in the plant community guidebecause the necessary adjustments are determined by the rangeland resource manager. Suggested ESSR values were determined from a combination of clipping studies, long-term rangeland reference area data, estimated production, range health trends and historicalgrazing experience. In order to sustain ecological health and function of the plant community,the ESSR has been established by the resource manager and is based on the ecological, climaticand seasonal conditions for each community type. In determining ESSR the forage requirementsfor one Animal Unit (AU) has been set at 455 kg of dry matter per month. The remainingbiomass production (carry over), is allocated for the maintenance of ecological functions (e.g.nutrient cycling, viable diverse plant communities, hydrological function, and soil protection,etc.) and plant community services (forage production, habitat maintenance, etc.). Theallocation of biomass production in this manor is well established, and supported, by thescientific community and the amount required, varies with Natural Subregion (Holechek et al.1995).

Rangeland Health

Range health is determined by comparing the functioning of ecological processes on anarea (e.g. plant community polygon) of rangeland to a standard (i.e. RPC) described within anecological site description. An ecological site is similar to the concept of range site, but abroader list of characteristics are described. An ecological site is defined by the Task Group onUnity and Concepts (1995) as, “a distinctive kind of land with specific physical characteristicsthat differs from other kinds of land in its ability to produce a distinctive kind and amount ofvegetation”. This guide can be used to determine the appropriate reference range plantcommunity, within an ecological site, for a rangeland health assessment.

Rangeland health assessments are utilized to make a rapid determination of the ecologicalstatus of rangeland. We use range health terminology (healthy, healthy with problems, orunhealthy), to rank the ability of rangeland to perform certain ecological functions. These

6

functions include: net primary production, maintenance of soil/site stability, capture andbeneficial release of water, nutrient and energy cycling and plant species functional diversity. For a detailed description on how to assess rangeland health for various plant communitiesplease refer to “Rangeland Health Assessment for Grassland, Forest and Tame Pasture” (Adamset al. 2003). A general range health category (Healthy, Healthy with problems, Unhealthy) hasbeen added to each community type description, which can be used as a guide when doing rangehealth assessments.

Range management objectives tend to favor the later stages of plant succession (late-seral to potential natural community (PNC) or good to excellent range condition) (Adams et al.2003). Late seral plant communities tend to be superior in the efficient capture of solar energy,in cycling of organic matter and nutrients, in retaining moisture, in supporting wildlife habitatvalues and in providing the highest potential productivity for the site. In contrast, early seralstages represent plant communities with diminished ecological processes, which are less stableand more vulnerable to erosion and invasion by weeds and non-native species. They also havediminished resource values for livestock forage production, wildlife habitat and watershedprotection (Adams et al. 2003). Healthy rangelands perform important ecological functions andprovide a broader suite of goods and services. In most cases these late seral plant communitiesare used as reference range plant community (RPC), but sometimes management goals influencethe choice of RPC (e.g. a cut block to be maintained as untimbered rangeland).

How to use the guide

Decide what category the community type is in. If it is in the Native grass or Shrubcategories it will not have tree cover and be found on steep south facing slopes or moist lowlandareas adjacent to streams and rivers. The predominant species will be native grasses, willow andbog birch. The community types described in the native grass and shrub category can be splitinto the Banff and Jasper Mountain (includes Banff and Jasper National Parks and the Ya HaTinda) ecodistricts and the Blairmore and Morley Foothills (includes Porcupine Hills,Whaleback and Castle) ecodistricts. The Disturbed grassland community types will resemblethe native grassland community types, but will show signs of extensive grazing pressure. Thesecommunity types will be dominated by grazing resistant species Kentucky bluegrass, clover anddandelion. A couple of moderately grazed community types with a predominant native speciescover are also found in this category.

The Deciduous category will be plant communities dominated by deciduous tree speciesaspen and balsam poplar and the Conifer category will be plant communities dominated bysubalpine fir, Engelmann or white spruce, lodgepole pine, limber pine, black spruce, larch orDouglas fir tree species. The Mixedwood category will contain communities that will have atleast 50% of the total tree cover as conifer or deciduous. The Cutblock category contains thetypes that have had timber harvesting. Finally, new community types that were described in theCypress Hills are outlined in the Cypress Hills category of the guide.

In order to understand how the community types in this guide are related to the ecositesand ecosite phases outlined in “Ecosites of Southwestern Alberta” (Archibald et al. 1996), the

7

community types in this guide are arranged by ecological site and ecological site phase (Table1). Table 1 is a reproduction of Figure 17 in the Ecosites of Southwestern Alberta guide withthe community types in this guide highlighted in the reference range plant community type andgrazing succession categories (Table 1). For the most part the ecological sites and ecologicalsite phases are the same, particularly for the forested community types, but a number of newecological sites and ecological site phases had to be created for the grass and shrublandcommunity types (Table 1). The ecological sites included (aa)(subxeric/medium) bluebunchwheatgrass, (cc)(submesic/rich) rough fescue grassland, (g) meadow (subhygric/very rich), (h)horsetail (hygric/rich) and (ij) fen (subhydric/rich). The (g) meadow, (h) horsetail, and (ij) fenecosites are similar to the (e) meadow, (f) horsetail and (g) fen ecosites found in the guideEcosites of West-Central Alberta (Beckingham et al. 1996). The ecological site phases include(aa1) bluebunch wheatgrass, (aa2) big sagebrush, (b4) yellow mtn. avens, (b5) bearberrygrassland, (c5) grassland, (cc1) rough fescue grassland, (d4) white meadowsweet Aw, (d5)shrubland, (d6) grassland (e4) shrubland, (g1) shrubland, (g2) grassland, (h2) horsetail Sw, (h3)horsetail shrubland, (ij1) treed fen, (ij2) shrubby fen and (ij3) graminoid fen. The “Grazingsuccession” category (Table 1) outlines the successionl sequence the community type willundergo with increased grazing pressure. A number of grazed ecological site phases wereincluded here. These included: (aa1a) grazed grassland, (cc1a) grazed rough fescue, (d3a)cultivated Sw, (d4a) grazed Aw, (d5a) grazed shrubland, (e2a) grazed Aw, (f1a) grazed Pb, and(g1a) grazed shrubby meadow

8

Table 1. Ecosites, ecosite phases and plant community types for the Montane subregion (adapted from Archibald et al.1996)(range plant community type and grazing succession communities are described in this guide, forested plantcommunities are outlined in guide to “Ecosites of Southwestern Alberta”)

Ecosite Ecosite Phase Forested Plant Community Type Range plant community type Grazing succession

a limber pine/juniper(subxeric/poor)

a1 limber pine/juniper Fd-Pf

a1.1 Fd-Pf/juniper E2 Pf-Fd/Juniper/Bearberry

aa Bluebunchwheatgrass grassland (subxeric/medium)

aa1 grassland B3 Bluebunch wheatgrass-SedgeA1 Fringed sage/JunegrassA2 Northern wheatgrass-Sheep fescueA3 Small leaved everlasting/JunegrassA4 Creeping juniper/N. wheatgrass-C.needlegrassA5 Little clubmoss/Richardsonneedlegrass

C6. Blunt sedge/Littleclubmoss/Moss phloxC6a Little clubmoss/SedgeC8 Northern wheatgrass-K.bluegrassC13 Sedge-Junegrass-Bluebunch wheatgrassA6. Kentucky bluegrass-Junegrass/Dandelion

aa2 Big sagebrush B5. Big sagebrush/B. wheatgrass-SedgeB6 Saskatoon-Rose-Snowberry/Bearberry

9

b bearberry(submesic/poor)

b1 bearberry P1 b1.1 P1/bearberry-juniper E3 Pl/Bearberry-Juniper

b2 bearberry Aw b2.1 Aw/bearberry F1 Aw-Fd/BearberryG1 Aw/Bearberry/Rough fescue

b3 bearberry Aw-Sw-Pl b3.1 Aw-Sw-Pl/Bearberry E4 Sw-Pl/Alder/Bearberry

b4 yellow mtn. avens D1 Yellow Mtn. Avens-Riveralder/Low forbD2 Yellow Mtn. Avens/JunegrassF2 Sw-Pl-Pb/Yellow Mtn. avens

b5 bearberry grassland A7. Bearberry-Juniper

cCanada buffalo-berry/hairy wild rye(submesic/medium)

c1 Canada buffalo-berry/hairy wild rye Fd

c1.1 Fd/needle litter E6a Fd/Needle litter

c1.2 Fd/hairy wild rye E6 Fd/Hairy wildrye

c2 Canada buffalo-berry/hairy wild rye P1

c2.1 P1/Canada buffalo-berry/hairywild rye

E5 Pl/Buffaloberry/PinegrassE7 Pl/Dwarf bilberry/Hairy wildrye

c3 Canada buffalo-berry/hairy wild rye Aw

c3.1 Aw/hairy wild rye F3 Aw-Pl/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildryeG2 Aw/Rose/Hairy wildryeG3 Aw/Hairy wildrye

c4 Canada buffalo-berry/hairy rye Aw-Sw-P1-Fd

c4.1 Aw-Sw-P1-Fd/hairy wild rye F5 Aw-Sw/Blueberry

10

c5 grassland B2 Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Rough fescueB4 Rough fescue-Sedge/BearberryE1 Pf/Rough fescueI1 Foothills rough fescue-Westernporcupine grass

C1a Sedge-Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescue

cc Rough fescuegrassland (submesic/rich)

cc1 Rough fescue A11. Rough fescue-Fringed brome-Sedge A12. Rough fescue-Sedge-Junegrass B1 Rough fescue-Idaho fescue-ParryoatgrassB15 Rough fescue-Hairy wildryeI2 Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills roughfescue-Intermediate oatgrassI4 Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills roughfescue-Idaho fescueForest successionB8 Fd/I.fescue-R.fescueB9 Fd/I.fescue-S.bluegrassB10 Aw/Strawberry/R. fescueA8 Prickly rose-Snowberry

A13. Sedge-Junegrass C1 I. fescue-P.oatgrass-SedgeC2 C. bluegrass-R. fescueC3 K. bluegrass-R. fescueC4 K.bluegrass-Timothy/DandelionC5 S. brome-K.bluegrassC8 C. redfescue/Dandelion-CloverC9 R.fescue-K.bluegrassC10 R.fescue-Sedge-Mtn.bromeI3 Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills R. fescue/Goldenbean

d creeping mahonia-whitemeadowsweet(mesic/medium)

d1 creeping mahonia-whitemeadowsweet Fd

d1.1 Fd/feather moss E6b Fd/Timothy

d1.2 Fd/white meadowsweet E10 Sw-Fd/White meadowsweetE10a Fd/SnowberryF4a Fd-Aw/PinegrassF6 Aw-Fd/White meadowsweet

11

d2 creeping mahonia-whitemeadowsweet P1

d2.1 P1/green alder

d2.2 P1/creeping mahonia-whitemeadowsweet

E8 Pl/White meadowsweet

d2.3 P1/pine grass E9 Pl/PinegrassF4 Aw-Pl/Pinegrass

d2.4 P1/mountain lover/bear grass

d2.5 P1/feather moss E11 Pl/MossI7 Pl-Aw/Bunchberry/Moss

d3 creeping mahonia-whitemeadowsweet Sw

d3.1 Sw/feather moss E12 Sw/Moss A14 Creeping red fescue-Timothy

d4 white meadowsweet Aw G4 Aw/Whitemeadowsweet/PinegrassG5 Aw/Rose/Pinegrass

G6 Aw/Pinegrass-K.bluegrassC12 Aw/Orchardgrass-K.bluegrass

d5 shrubland A10. Bog birch-Sedge-Rough fescueB6a Snowberry-Rose-Saskatoon

B16 Big sagebrush-Buckthorn/K. bluegrassC11Snowberry/K. bluegrassI5 Snowberry/K. Bluegrass-TimothyI6 Silverberry/K. bluegrass

d6 pinegrass grassland B7 Pinegrass-Hairywildrye/Strawberry

12

e thimbleberry/pinegrass (mesic/rich)

e1 thimbleberry/pine grassP1

e1.1 Pl/thimbleberry E13 Pl/Thimble berryE14 Pl/Thimbleberry/BeargrassE15 Pl/River alder/Thimbleberry

e2 thimbleberry/pine grassAw

e2.1 Aw/thimbleberry G10 Aw/ThimbleberryG11 Aw/Cow parsnip

e2.2 Aw/pine grass F7 Aw-Pb-Sw/Pinegrass G7 Aw/Timothy-K.bluegrass

e2.3 Aw/saskatoon-snowberry F8 Aw-Fa/Snowberry/PinegrassG8 Aw/Snowberry-Saskatoon

F9 Pl-Aw/Snowberry/K.bluegrassF10 Aw-Fa-Se/TimothyG9 Aw/Snowberry/K.bluegrass

e3 thimbleberry/pine grassSw

e3.1 Sw/thimbleberry E16 Sw/Thimbleberry

e4 shrubland B11 Thimbleberry brushB14 Forb meadows

D14 Hawthorn-Snowberry/Kentuckybluegrass

f balsam poplar(subhygric/rich)

fl balsam poplar Pb fl.1 Pb/snowberry F11 Spruce-Pb/SnowberryG12 Pb/ThimbleberryG15 Aw/Birch-Willow

G13 Pb/Cow parsnip/K.bluegrassG14 Pb/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass

13

g meadow(subhygric/very rich)

g1 shrubby meadow D3 Bebb willow/Hairy wildryeD5 G.alder-S.willow-RaspberryD10 Dwarf birch-S.cinquefoil/Valerian/SedgeD13 Water birch-Smoothwillow/Pinegrass

D6 Flat lv’dwillow/Quackgrass-K.bluegrassD4 Bebb willow/Kentuckybluegrass

g2 grassy meadow B13 Tufted hairgrass-Baltic rushA9 Tufted hairgrass-Sedge

B13a Baltic rush

h horsetail(hygric/rich)

h1 horsetail Sw-Pb

h2 horsetail Sw F12 Sw-Aw/Scouring rushE12a Sw/HorsetailE12b Sw/Silverberry/Horsetail

h3 horsetail shrubland D7 Flat lv’d willow/Horsetail/Sedge

ij fen (subhydric/rich)

ij1 treed fen E17 Sb-Lt/Labrador teaD12 Sb/Willow/Wire rush-Sedge/Moss

ij2 shrubby fen D2a Drummond’s willowD3a Bebb willow/Beaked sedgeD8 Mrytle lv’d willow/SedgeD9 Basket willow/SedgeD11 Sw/Willow/Water sedge/Goldenmoss

D9a Basket willow/Kentucky bluegrass

14

ij3 graminoid fen B12 Beaked-Water SedgeB12a Awned sedgeB17 Creeping spike rushB18 Small fruited bulrushB19 Great bulrushB20 Cattail

15

Figure 2. Edatopic grid for the Montane subregion

Ecological sites

a limber pine/juniper(subxeric/poor)aa bluebunch wheatgrass grassland(subxeric/medium)b bearberry(submesic/poor)c Canada buffaloberry/ hairy wildrye(submesic/medium)cc rough fescue(submesic/rich)d creeping mahonia-white meadowsweet(mesic/medium)

e thimbleberry/pinegrass(mesic/rich)f balsam poplar(subhygric/rich)g meadow(subhygric/very rich)h horsetail(hygric/rich)ij fen(subhydric/rich)

b c cc

aa

de

fg

h

i

j

16

aa Bluebunch wheatgrass (n=104)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This ecosite is located on steep, south and west facing slopesthroughout the Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistrictsand the Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts. The soils arepoorly developed, nutrient poor and generally have xeric orsubxeric moisture regimes. The grassland communities of theBanff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts are often dominatedby northern wheatgrass, junegrass, fringed sage, sheep fescueand upland sedge species. In contrast the Blairmore andMorley foothills ecodistricts are often dominated bybluebunch wheatgrass. Big sagebrush dominatedcommunities are also found in isolated areas in the SouthCastle in this ecosite.

SUCCESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Due to the nature of the site grasslands often remain theclimax vegetation on these sites. On moister sites shrubssuch as saskatoon, snowberry and chokecherry, often invadethe site with succession to Douglas fir. Heavy grazingpressure on the grasslands can often lead to a degraded sitethat is dominated by fringed sage, sedge, and little clubmoss.However, on moister sites timothy and Kentucky bluegrasscan often invade into this ecosite

INDICATOR SPECIESRose ChokecherrySaskatoon Fringed sageBearberry Small lv’d everlastingLittle clubmoss Northern wheatgrassSedge Sheep fescueJunegrass Bluebunch wheatgrassTimothy Big sagebrush

subxeric/medium____________________________________

SITE CHARACTERISTICS

Moisture regime: xeric, subxeric, submesicNutrient regime: poor, mediumTopographic position: crest, upper, midSlope: (16-30%) (31-45%)(45-70%)Aspect: south, southwest, west

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

Organic thickness: (0-2)Humus form: mullSurface texture: CL,SiLEffective texture: CL, SiCDepth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, wellParent material: C,MSoil subgroup: O.EB, O.R

ECOSITE PHASES

aa1 grassland (n=42)aa1a grazed grassland (n=9)aa2 big sagebrush (n=4)

17

aa1 grassland (n=44)

CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 3 ] Saskatoon*[ 3 ] Rose[ 3 ] Snowberry[ 1 ] Chokecherry[ 2 ] Bearberry[ 5 ] Fringed sage*[ 1 ] Shrubby cinquefoil[ 3 ] Juniper

Forb

[ 1 ] Wild blue flax[ 2 ] Small lv’d everlasting[ 2 ] Yarrow [ 1 ] Silky perennial lupine[ 2 ] Little clubmoss

Grasses

[ 9 ] Sedge species[ 1 ] Sheep fescue[ 6 ] Bluebunch wheatgrass*[ 1 ] Timothy[ 13 ] Northern wheatgrass*[ 8 ] Junegrass*[ 2 ] Hairy wildrye[ 2 ] Rough fescue[ 1] Richardson needlegrass


Moisture regime: xeric, subxeric, submesicNutrient regime: poor, medium, richTopographic position: crest, upper slope, midslopeSlope:(16-30%) (31-45%)(45-70%)Aspect: westerly, southerly

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-2)Humus form: mull

Surface texture: CL, SiLEffective texture: CL, SiC Depth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, wellParent material: C,M, ESoil subgroup: O.R, O.EB

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________A1 Fringed sage/Junegrass (n=11)A2 Northern wheatgrass-Sheep fescue (n=2)A3 Small lv’d everlasting/Junegrass (n=2)A4 Creeping juniper/Northern wheatgrass-Columbianeedlegrass (n=2)A5 Little clubmoss/Richardson needlegrass (n=1)B3 Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge (n=26)

18

aa1a Grazed grassland (n=25)


Shrub

[ 1 ] Shrubby cinquefoil[ 1 ] Creeping juniper[ 4 ] Snowberry[ 2 ] Rose[ 2 ] Fringed sage*[ 1 ] Bearberry

Forb

[ 2 ] Showy locoweed[ 1 ] Late yellow locoweed[ 3 ] Small leaved everlasting[ 2 ] Low goldenrod[ 8 ] Little clubmoss*[ 4 ] Moss phlox[ 6 ] Dandelion*

Grasses

[ 7 ] Junegrass[ 13 ] Northern wheatgrass[ 7 ] Sedge[ 15 ] Kentucky bluegrass*[ 1 ] Rough fescue[ 3 ] Parry oatgrass


Moisture regime:, xeric, subxeric, submesicNutrient regime: poor, mediumTopographic position: crest, upper slope, midslopeSlope: (16-30%) (31-45%)(45-70%)Aspect: westerly, southrly


Organic thickness: (0-2)Humus form: mullSurface texture: SiL, CLEffective texture: C, SiCDepth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, well

Parent material: C, MSoil subgroup: O.R, O.EB

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES

A6 Kentucky bluegrass-Junegrass/Dandelion (n=3)C6 Blunt sedge/Little clubmoss-Moss phlox(n=5)C8 Northern wheatgrass-Kentucky bluegrass(n=1)C6a Little clubmoss/Sedge (n=8)C13 Sedge-Junegrass-Bluebunch wheatgrass (n=8)

19

aa2 big sagebrush (n=36)


Shrub

[ 21 ] Big sagebrush*[ 1 ] Snowberry[ 1 ] Rose[ 9 ] Saskatoon[ 22 ] Bearberry*

Forb

[ 3 ] Yarrow[ 2 ] Silky perennial lupine[ 1 ] Small leaved everlasting[ 1 ] Low goldenrod[ 5 ] Little clubmoss*[ 3 ] Wild bergamont[ 2 ] Smooth aster

Grasses

[ 3 ] Junegrass[ 5 ] Bluebunch wheatgrass*[ 1 ] Sedge[ 8 ] Idaho fescue[ 1 ] Rough fescue[ 4 ] California oatgrass


Moisture regime:, xeric, subxeric, submesicNutrient regime: poor, mediumTopographic position: crest, upper slope, midslopeSlope: (16-30%) (31-45%)(45-70%)Aspect: westerly, southerly


Organic thickness: (0-2)Humus form: mullSurface texture: SiL, CLEffective texture: C, SiCDepth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, wellParent material: C, MSoil subgroup: O.R


B5 Big sagebrush/Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge (n=4)B6 Saskatoon-Rose-Snowberry/Bearberry (n=32)

20

b4 yellow mountain avens (n=4)


Trees

[ 7 ] Balsam poplar*[ 14 ] White spruce

Shrub

[ 24 ] Yellow mountain avens*[ 2 ] Silverberry*[ 1 ] Shrubby cinquefoil[ 2 ] Buffaloberry[ 1 ] Bearberry

Forb

[ 2 ] Yarrow[ 2 ] Lindley’s aster[ 1 ] Cut leaved anemone[ 1 ] Showy locoweed

Grasses

[ 7 ] Junegrass[ 1 ] Sedge[ 1 ] Canada bluegrass


Moisture regime: submesic, mesicNutrient regime: poor, mediumTopographic position: levelSlope: (0-2%)Aspect: westerly, southerly


Organic thickness: (0-2)Humus form: no dataSurface texture: SEffective texture: SDepth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, wellParent material: FSoil subgroup: O.R


D1 Yellow mtn. avens-River alder/Low forb(n=1)D2 Yellow mtn. avens/Junegrass (n=2)F2 Sw-Pl-Pb/Yellow mtn. avens (n=1)

21

b5 bearberry grassland (n=17)


Shrub

[ 1 ] Juniper spp.[ 3 ] Rose[ 1 ] Shrubby cinquefoil[ 2 ] Snowberry[ 3 ] Saskatoon[ 24 ] Bearberry*

Forb

[ 1 ] Yarrow[ 1 ] Lindley’s aster[ 1 ] Cut leaved anemone[ 1 ] Showy locoweed[ 1 ] Small leaved everlasting*[ 2 ] StrawberryGrasses

[ 2 ] Junegrass[ 2 ] Northern wheatgrass[ 2 ] Rough fescue[ 2 ] Hairy wildrye


Moisture regime: subxeric, submesic, mesicNutrient regime: poor, mediumTopographic position: crest, upper slope, midslopeSlope:(0-2%)(16-30%) (31-45%)(45-70%)Aspect: westerly, southerly


Organic thickness: (0-5)(6-15)Humus form: no dataSurface texture: LEffective texture: LDepth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, wellParent material: C, M

Soil subgroup: O.R, O.EB


A7 Bearberry/Juniper (n=17)

22

c5 grassland (n=111)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Trees

[ 2 ] Limber pine

Shrub

[ 2 ] Saskatoon[ 2 ] Rose[ 1 ] Snowberry[ 15 ] Bearberry*[ 1 ] Fringed sage[ 2 ] Shrubby cinquefoil[ 1 ] Juniper

Forb

[ 2 ] Strawberry[ 2 ] Old mans whisker’s[ 3 ] Cut leaved anemone[ 1 ] Woolly gromwell[ 1 ] Yarrow [ 2 ] Silky perennial lupine[ 1 ] Little clubmoss

Grasses

[ 3 ] Sedge species[ 17 ] Rough fescue[ 11 ] Idaho fescue*[ 1 ] Slender wheatgrass[ 11 ] Parry oatgrass*[ 2 ] Junegrass*


Moisture regime: subxeric, submesicNutrient regime: medium, richTopographic position: crest, upper slope, midslopeSlope:(0-2%) (16-30%) (31-45%)(45-70%)Aspect: westerly, southerly

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-2)(0-4)Humus form: mullSurface texture: SiL, LEffective texture: CL, SiCL

Depth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, wellParent material: C,M,TSoil subgroup: O.MB

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________B2 Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue(n=52)B4 Rough fescue-Sedge/Bearberry (n=48)E1 Pf/Rough fescue (n=1)I1 Foothills fescue-Western Porcupine grass (n=10)

23

cc rough fescue grassland (n=430)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This ecosite is typical of south and west facing slopesand lower slope positions throughout the Montanesubregion from an elevation of 1300 m to 1900 m. This ecosite is usually dominated by grass speciesbecause of the dry site conditions and westerlywinds. The soils of this ecosite are dominated bydeep black chernozemic soils. A number of roughfescue dominated sites have not had the speciescomposition change in over 30 years of nodisturbance indicating the climax nature of thisecosite in the Montane subregion.


Due to the nature of the site grasslands often remainthe climax vegetation on these sites. On moistersites shrubs and trees such as saskatoon, snowberry,chokecherry and aspen often invade the site withsuccession to Douglas fir and Lodgepole pine. Heavy grazing pressure on these grasslands can oftenlead to a degraded site that is dominated by Kentuckybluegrass, timothy and clover species. Many siteswithin this ecosite have been cultivated and aredominated by cereal crops and smooth brome.

INDICATOR SPECIESShrubby cinquefoil BearberryOld mans whisker’s Cut leaved anemoneSticky purple geranium Mountain shooting starWoolly gromwell Rough fescueJunegrass Idaho fescue

Parry oatgrass Slender wheatgrassKentucky bluegrass Timothy

submesic/rich________________________________________


Moisture regime: submesic, mesicNutrient regime: rich, mediumTopographic position: crest, midslope, lower slopeSlope: (0-2%)5(16-30%)3 (31-45%)1(45-70%)1

Aspect: south, southwest, west


Organic thickness: (0-2)(2-5)Humus form: mullSurface texture: CL,SiL, LEffective texture: CL, SiL, SL, Depth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: wellParent material: F, GF, MSoil subgroup: O.BL, O.DG, O.MB

ECOSITE PHASES

cc1 rough fescue (n=168)cc1a grazed rough fescue (n=262)

24

cc1 rough fescue (n=168)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 3 ] Snowberry[ 1 ] Saskatoon[ 1 ] Rose[ 3 ] Shrubby cinquefoil[ 1 ] Juniper

Forb

[ 3 ] Strawberry[ 4 ] Old mans whisker’s[ 2 ] Cut leaved anemone[ 1 ] Woolly gromwell[ 2 ] Yarrow [ 2 ] Silky perennial lupine[ 3 ] Yellow beardtongue[ 1 ] Shooting star

Grasses

[ 5 ] Sedge species[ 29 ] Rough fescue*[ 9 ] Idaho fescue*[ 2 ] Slender wheatgrass[ 10 ] Parry oatgrass*[ 2 ] Junegrass[ 1 ] Fringed brome


Moisture regime: submesic, mesicNutrient regime: medium, richTopographic position: level, midslope, lower slopeSlope:(0-2%)4 (16-30%)3 (31-45%)1(45-70%)1

Aspect: westerly, southerly

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-2)(0-4)Humus form: mull

Surface texture: SiL, L, CLEffective texture: CL, SiL, SL Depth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, wellParent material: F, GF, MSoil subgroup: O.MB, O.BL, O.DG

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________A8 Prickly rose-Snowberry (n=6)A11 Rough fescue-Fringed brome-Sedge (n=5)A12 Rough fescue-Sedge-Junegrass (n=2)B1 Rough fescue-Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass(n=102)B8 Fd/I.fescue-Rough fescue (n=5)B9 Fd/Idaho fescue-Sandberg bluegrass(n=1)B10 Aw/Strawberry/Rough fescue (n=2)B15 Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye (n=2)I2 Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Intermediate oatgrass (n=37)I4 Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Idaho fescue (n=6)

25

cc1a grazed rough fescue (n=262)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 1 ] Rose[ 3 ] Shrubby cinquefoil

Forb

[ 2 ] Strawberry[ 10 ] Old mans whisker’s[ 2 ] Cut leaved anemone[ 5 ] Yarrow [ 10 ] Dandelion[ 3 ] Yellow beardtongue[ 3 ] Shooting star[ 5 ] Graceful cinquefoil

Grasses

[ 5 ] Sedge species[ 12 ] Rough fescue*[ 15 ] Idaho fescue*[ 20 ] Kentucky bluegrass*[ 10 ] Parry oatgrass*[ 12 ] Timothy*[ 2 ] Canada bluegrass


Moisture regime: submesic, mesicNutrient regime: medium, richTopographic position: level, midslope, lower slopeSlope:(0-2%)4 (16-30%)3 (31-45%)1(45-70%)1


SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-2)(0-4)Humus form: mullSurface texture: SiL, L, CLEffective texture: CL, SiL, SL Depth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, wellParent material: F, GF, MSoil subgroup: O.MB, O.BL, O.DG

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________A13 Sedge-Junegrass (n=2)C1 Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge (n=32)C2 Canada bluegrass-Rough fescue (n=14)C3 Kentucky bluegrass-Rough fescue(n=70)C4 Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion (n=74)C5 Smooth brome-Kentucky bluegrass (n=14)C7 Creeping red fescue/Dandelion-Clover (n=10)C9 Rough fescue-Kentucky bluegrass (n=28)C10 Rough fescue-Sedge-Mountain brome (n=2)I3 Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Golden bean (n=17)

26

d3a cultivated hairy wildrye Sw (n=2)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 2 ] Willow spp.

Forb

[ 2 ] Fireweed[ 1 ] Tall larkspur

Grasses

[ 6 ] Sedge species[ 2 ] Kentucky bluegrass*[ 18 ] Creeping red fescue*[ 10 ] Hairy wildrye[ 8 ] Timothy*


Moisture regime: submesic, mesicNutrient regime: medium, poorTopographic position: midslope, upper slopeSlope:3 (31-45%)(45-70%)Aspect: variable

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-5-2)(2-5))Humus form: morSurface texture: SiL, L, CLEffective texture: L, SiLDepth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: wellParent material: F, MSoil subgroup: O.EB

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________A14 Creeping red fescue-Timothy (n=2)

27

d4 white meadowsweet Aw (n=47)Trees

[ 47 ] Aspen[ 2 ] Lodgepole pine

Shrub

[ 9 ] White meadowsweet[ 6 ] Rose

Forb

[ 6 ] Showy aster[ 8 ] Strawberry[ 5 ] Yellow peavine[ 2 ] Northern bedstraw[ 4 ] Lindley’s aster

Grasses

[ 19 ] Pinegrass[ 1 ] Sedge[ 5 ] Hairy wildrye


Moisture regime: mesicNutrient regime: medium, poor, richTopographic position: midslope, lower slopeSlope: (0-5%)(10-25%)Aspect: variable

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (6-15)(0-5)Humus form: morSurface texture: SiL, L, SLEffective texture: L, SCL, SiCL, SL, SiLDepth to Mottles/Gley: none (26-50)Drainage: well, mod. wellParent material: X, M, GFSoil subgroup: O.EB, E.EB, O.GL

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________G4 Aw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass (n=12)G5 Aw/Rose/Pinegrass (n=35)

28

d4a grazed Aw (n=6)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Trees

[ 21 ] Aspen

Shrub

[ 8 ] Wild red raspberry[ 8 ] Rose

Forb

[ 6 ] Smooth aster[ 7 ] Strawberry[ 6 ] Yellow peavine[ 10 ] Wild white geranium[ 3 ] Dandelion

Grasses

[ 22 ] Pinegrass[ 23 ] Kentucky bluegrass[ 3 ] Hairy wildrye[ 10 ] Orchardgrass


Moisture regime: mesicNutrient regime: mediumTopographic position: lower slopeSlope: (3-23%)Aspect: southerly

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (6-15)(0-5)Humus form: morSurface texture: SiL, L, SLEffective texture: L, SCL, SiCL, SL, SiLDepth to Mottles/Gley: none (26-50)Drainage: well, mod. wellParent material: X, M, GF

Soil subgroup: O.EB, E.EB, O.GL

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________G6 Aw/Pinegrass-Kentucky bluegrass(n=4)C12 Aw/Orchardgrass-Kentucky bluegrass (n=2)

29

d5 shrubland (n=59)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 30 ] Bog birch[ 7 ] Shrubby cinquefoil

Forb

[ 3 ] Yarrow[ 2 ] Small leaved everlasting[ 4 ] Cut leaved anemone[ 4 ] Heart leaved Alexander[ 3 ] Old mans whisker’s[ 3 ] American vetch

Grasses

[ 12 ] Sedge[ 2 ] Rough fescue[ 4 ] Sheep fescue[ 3 ] Junegrass


Moisture regime: mesicNutrient regime: mediumTopographic position: lowerslopeSlope: (0-2)Aspect: southerly

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-5)(2-5)Humus form: mullSurface texture: SiL, L, CLEffective texture: L, SiLDepth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: wellParent material: F,Soil subgroup: O.EB

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________A10 Bog birch/Sedge-Rough fescue (n=1)B6 Snowberry-Rose-Saskatoon/Bearberry (n=58)

30

d5a grazed shrubland (n=24)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 19 ] Big sagebrush[18 ] Snowberry[ 7 ] Buckthorn

Forb

[ 6 ] Strawberry[ 20 ] Yellow beardstongue[ 5 ] Yarrow [ 3 ] Dandelion[ 2 ] Star flowered solomon’s seal[ 1 ] American vetch

Grasses

[ 1 ] Sedge species[ 25 ] Kentucky bluegrass*[ 6 ] Timothy*


Moisture regime: mesic, subhygricNutrient regime: medium, richTopographic position: level, lower slopeSlope:(1-10%)Aspect: westerly, southerly

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-2)(0-4)Humus form: mullSurface texture: SiL, L, CLEffective texture: CL, SiL, SL Depth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, wellParent material: F, GF, MSoil subgroup: O.MB, O.BL, O.DG

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________B16 Big sagebruch-Buckthorn/Kentucky bluegrass(n=2)C11 Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass (n=3)I5 Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass (n=18)I6 Silverberry/Kentucky bluegrass (n=1)

31

d6 pinegrass grassland (n=11)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 2 ] Snowberry[ 2 ] Rose[ 2 ] White meadowsweet

Forb

[ 13 ] Strawberry[ 4 ] Yellow peavine[ 5 ] Silky perennial lupine[ 5 ] Showy aster

Grasses

[ 23 ] Pinegrass[ 7 ] Hairy wildrye[ 1 ] Northern awnless brome


Moisture regime: mesic, subhygricNutrient regime: medium, richTopographic position: level, mid slope, lower slopeSlope:(0-46%)Aspect: northerly5, westerly4, southerly1

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-2)(0-4)Humus form: mullSurface texture: SiL, L, CLEffective texture: CL, SiL, SL Depth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: rapid, wellParent material: F, GF, MSoil subgroup: O.EB, O.BL, O.DG

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________B7 Pinegrass-Hairy wildrye/Strawberry (n=11)

32

e2a grazed aspen (n=18)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Trees

[ 60 ] Aspen[ 9 ] Lodgepole pine

Shrub

[ 3 ] Rose[30 ] Snowberry[ 5 ] Thimbleberry[ 2 ] Saskatoon

Forb

[ 8 ] Strawberry[ 5 ] Clover[ 5 ] Smooth aster[ 20 ] Dandelion[ 8 ] Wild white geranium[ 2 ] American vetch[ 2 ] Veiny meadow rue

Grasses

[ 2 ] Mountain brome[ 20 ] Kentucky bluegrass*[ 18 ] Timothy*[ 4 ] Pinegrass


Moisture regime: mesic9, submesic1

Nutrient regime: medium8, rich2

Topographic position: level, lower slopeSlope:(0-4%)8(20-26%)2


SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-5)(6-15)Humus form: morSurface texture: L, SL, CLEffective texture: CL, SCL, L Depth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: mod.well, wellParent material: F, GF, MSoil subgroup: O.EB, O.BL, CU.R, O.DG, O.MB

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________G7 Aw/Timothy-Kentucky bluegrass (n=13)G9 Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass (n=2)F9 Pl-Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass (n=1)F10 Aw-Fa-Se/Timothy (n=2)

33

e4 shrubland (n=7)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 1 ] Rose[ 8 ] Snowberry[ 30 ] Thimbleberry[ 5 ] Hawthorn

Forb

[ 8 ] Strawberry[ 6 ] Lindleys aster[ 4 ] Showy aster[ 2 ] Fireweed[ 2 ] Baneberry[ 2 ] Yellow peavine[ 8 ] Wild bergamont[ 3 ] Star flowered solomon seal

Grasses

[ 2 ] Rough fescue[ 1 ] Fringed brome[ 3 ] Idaho fescue[ 4 ] Pinegrass[ 2 ] Parry oatgrass[ 2 ] Slender wheatgrass


Moisture regime: mesic5, subhygric5

Nutrient regime: medium2, rich8

Topographic position: level, lower slope, midslopeSlope:(0-4%)8(20-26%)2(35-47)Aspect: variable

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-5)(6-15)Humus form: mor, raw moderSurface texture: L, SL, CLEffective texture: CL, SiCL, SC L Depth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: mod.well, wellParent material: F, MSoil subgroup: O.GL, O.EB, O.B

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________B11 Thimbleberry brush (n=3)B13 Forb meadows (n=2)D14 Hawthorn-Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass (n=2)

34

f1a grazed balsam poplar (n=14)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Trees

[ 75 ] Balsam poplar

Shrub

[ 5 ] Rose[ 9 ] Sticky currant

Forb

[ 26 ] Showy aster[ 8 ] Cow parsnip[ 25 ] Canada violet[ 11 ] Sweet cicely[ 6 ] Veiny meadow rue

Grasses

[ 11 ] Sedge[ 10 ] Kentucky bluegrass*


Moisture regime: subhygricNutrient regime: richTopographic position: level, lower slopeSlope:(0-3%)Aspect: westerly, southerly

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (0-5)Humus form: moderSurface texture: L,Effective texture: CL Depth to Mottles/Gley: noneDrainage: mod.well, Parent material: GFSoil subgroup: not available

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________G13 Pb/Cow parsnip/Kentucky bluegrass (n=1)G14 Pb/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass (n=12)

35

g meadow (n=22)(taken from Ecosites ofWest-Central Alberta)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The meadow ecosite tends to be mesic tosubhygric and occurs on fluvial parent materialswhere flooding and/or high water tablesincrease soil water content and replenishnutrients. The soils on these sites tend to havethick Ah horizons and loamy textures.


The meadow ecosite is successional stable. Disturbance regime, cold air drainage, andcompetition from a diverse cover of shrubs,forbs and grasses slow or inhibit theestablishment of trees. If trees becomeestablished, the rich, moist loamy soils areconducive to rapid growth.

INDICATOR SPECIESWillow Cow parsnipVeiny meadow rue AvensTufted hairgrass Marsh reedgrassSlender wheatgrass Sedge

subhygric/very rich________________________________________


Moisture regime: subhydric, hygric,mesicNutrient regime: rich, very rich, mediumTopographic position: level, depression, toeSlope: level, (2-5%)Aspect: level, southerly, easterly


Organic thickness: (6-15)(0-5)Humus form: mor, mull, raw moderSurface texture: SiC, L, CL, SiL, SL, SCLEffective texture: SiC, SiCL, SiL, SL, SCL, LDepth to Mottles/Gley: (0-25),(51-100),none,(26-50)Drainage: imperfect, poor, mod. well, wellParent material: F,Soil subgroup:R.HG, O.R, GLCU.R, CU.HR

ECOSITE PHASES

g1 shrubby meadow (n=7)g1a grazed shrubby meadow (n=11)g2 grassy meadow (n=4)

36

g1 shrubby meadow (n=7)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 14 ] Green alder[ 8 ] Bog birch[ 27 ] Willow[ 9 ] Raspberry

Forb

[ 1 ] Strawberry[ 1 ] Fireweed[ 5 ] Stinging nettle[ 2 ] Marsh valerian

Grasses

[ 11 ] Sedge[ 4 ] Hairy wildrye[ 4 ] Tufted hairgrass[ 4 ] Timothy


Moisture regime: mesic, subhygricNutrient regime: medium, richTopographic position: level, mid slope, lowerslopeSlope:(0-5%)Aspect: variable

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (6-15)(0-5)Humus form: mor, mull, raw moderSurface texture: SiC, L, CL, SiL, SL, SCLEffective texture: SiC, SiCL, SiL, SL, SCL, L

Depth to Mottles/Gley: (0-25),(51-100),none,(26-50)Drainage: imperfect, poor, mod. well, wellParent material: F,Soil subgroup:R.HG, O.R, GLCU.R, CU.HR

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________D3 Bebb willow/Hairy wildrye (n=2)D5 Green alder-Scoulers willow-Raspberry(n=2)D10 Dwarf birch-Shrubby cinquefoil/Marshvalerian/Sedge (n=2)D13 Water birch-Smooth willow/Pinegrass(n=1)

37

g1a grazed shrubby meadow (n=11)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 15 ] Flat leaved willow[ 1 ] Bog birch[25 ] Bebb willow

Forb

[ 3 ] Marsh violet[ 2 ] Rush aster

Grasses

[ 6 ] Sedge[ 27 ] Kentucky bluegrass[ 18 ] Quackgrass[ 4 ] Alpine rush


Moisture regime: mesic, hygricNutrient regime: medium, richTopographic position: level, mid slope, lowerslopeSlope:(0-2%)Aspect: variable

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (6-15)(0-5)Humus form: mor, mull, raw moderSurface texture: SiC, L, CL,Effective texture: SiC, SiCL,Depth to Mottles/Gley: not available

Drainage: poor, wellParent material: F,Soil subgroup:R.HG, O.R,

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________D4 Bebb willow/Kentucky bluegrass (n=9)D6 Flat leaved willow/Quackgrass-Kentuckybluegrass(n=2)

38

g2 grassy meadow (n=4)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 10 ] Shrubby cinquefoil

Forb

[ 10 ] Old mans whisker’s[ 4 ] Veiny meadow[ 12 ] Graceful cinquefoil[ 2 ] Yellow beardstongue

Grasses

[ 25 ] Sedge[ 2 ] Hairy wildrye[ 20 ] Tufted hairgrass[ 6 ] Slender wheatgrass[ 12 ] Baltic rush


Moisture regime: hygric, subhygricNutrient regime: richTopographic position: level, lower slopeSlope:(0-5%)Aspect: variable

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________Organic thickness: (6-15)(0-5)Humus form: mor, mull, raw moderSurface texture: SiC, L, CL, SiL, SL, SCLEffective texture: SiC, SiCL, SiL, SL, SCL, LDepth to Mottles/Gley: (0-25),(51-

100),none,(26-50)Drainage: imperfect, poor, mod. well, wellParent material: F,Soil subgroup:R.HG, O.R, GLCU.R, CU.HR

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________A9 Tufted hairgrass-Sedge(n=1)B13 Tufted hairgrass-Baltic rush (n=2)B13a Baltic rush (n=1)

39

h horsetail (n=12)(taken from Ecosites ofWest-Central Alberta)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The horsetail ecosite is wet and nutrient rich. These sites are commonly found on toe andlower slope positions with fluvial parentmaterials where flooding or seepageperiodically replenishes the substrate nutrientavailability. With wet soils gleysolic soils arecommon and organic matter tends toaccumulate. Mottles were within 25 cm of thesoil surface in over 80% of the sites. Horsetailscommonly form a blanket over the forest floor.


Balsam poplar is a pioneer species on thisecosite. White spruce is the expected climaxspecies, however its establishment may be slowdue to high vegetation cover.

INDICATOR SPECIESMeadow horsetailCommon horsetailWhite spruceBlack spruceBalsam poplarAspenWillow

hygric/rich________________________________________


Moisture regime: subhygric, hygricNutrient regime: rich, very richTopographic position: level, depression, toeSlope: level, (0-1%)Aspect: level, southerly, easterly


Organic thickness: (26-39)(60-79)(16-25))Humus form: moder, peaty morSurface texture: mesic, SiL, SiC, SiEffective texture: humic, SiL, SiC, SiDepth to Mottles/Gley: (0-25)Drainage: imperfect, poor, mod. well, wellParent material: F, FL, ESoil subgroup:R.HG, O.R, GLCU.R, GL.R

ECOSITE PHASES

h2 horsetail Sw (n=6)h3 horsetail shrubland (n=6)

40

h2 horsetail Sw (n=6)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Trees

[ 60 ] White spruce[ 15 ] Aspen[ 10 ] Balsam poplar

Shrub

[ 3 ] Rose[ 5 ] Silverberry

Forb

[ 4 ] Dandelion[ 5 ] Dwarf scouring rush[ 20 ] Horsetail[ 4 ] Lindley’s aster[ 1 ] American vetch

Grasses

[ 7 ] Kentucky bluegrass[ 5 ] Hairy wildrye


Moisture regime: subhygricNutrient regime: richTopographic position: levelSlope: levelAspect: variable

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS____________________________________

Organic thickness: (26-39)(60-79)(16-25))Humus form: moder, peaty morSurface texture: mesic, SiL, SiC, Si

Effective texture: humic, SiL, SiC, SiDepth to Mottles/Gley: (0-25)Drainage: imperfect, poor, mod. well, wellParent material: F, FL, ESoil subgroup:R.HG, O.R, GLCU.R, GL.R

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________F12 Sw-Aw/Scouring rush (n=1)E12a Sw/Horsetail (n=4)E12b Sw/Silverberry/Horsetail (n=1)

41

h3 horsetail shrubland (n=6)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 40 ] Willow[ 1 ] Red osier dogwood[ 1 ] Rose

Forb

[ 40 ] Field horsetail[ 1 ] Sweet scented bedstraw[ 1 ] Tall lungwort[ 1 ] Dandelion


Moisture regime: hygricNutrient regime: richTopographic position: levelSlope: levelAspect: variable


Organic thickness: (26-39)(60-79)(16-25))Humus form: moder, peaty morSurface texture: mesic, SiL, SiC, SiEffective texture: humic, SiL, SiC, Si

Depth to Mottles/Gley: (0-25)Drainage: imperfect, poor, mod. well, wellParent material: F, FL, ESoil subgroup:R.HG, O.R, GLCU.R, GL.R

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________D7 Flat lv’d willow/Horsetail/Sedge (n=6)

42

ij fen (n=40)(taken from Ecosites of West-Central Alberta)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The rich and poor fen are combined in this ecosite.The fen ecosite is generally characterized by flowingoxygenated water and alkaline, nutrient-richconditions. This ecosite occupies level, depressionaland lower slope positions where impeded drainage orhigh water tables enhance the accumulation oforganic matter consisting of sedges, golden moss,tufted moss, and brown moss. Black spruce, whitespruce, and/or tamarack dominate the sparse canopyon the treed phase. Dwarf birch or willow form thecanopy of the shrubby phase and sedges dominate thegraminoid phase of this ecosite.


Black spruce or white spruce are the edaphic climaxtrees on this ecosite. On calcareous materials blackspruce may be replaced by white spruce as the climaxtree species. Species composition and direction ofsuccession changes with changing hydrologic regime.As with other wetlands, fens have slow successionalrates so recovery from disturbance may also be slow.

INDICATOR SPECIESBlack sprucetamarackWillowLabrador teaDwarf birchHorsetailSedge

Golden mossBrown mossTufted moss

subhydric/rich__________________________________________


Moisture regime: subhygric, hygric, subhydric,hydricNutrient regime: rich, very rich, mediumTopographic position: level, depression, toeSlope: level, (0-1%)Aspect: level, southerly, easterly


Organic thickness: (>80)(60-79)Humus form: mor, peaty morSurface texture: fibric, mesicEffective texture: fibric, mesicDepth to Mottles/Gley: not applicableDrainage: imperfect, poor, very poorParent material: OSoil subgroup:R.G, TY.M, TY.F, T.M, T.F, R.HG,O.HG, O.G, FI.M

ECOSITE PHASESij treed fen (n=4)ij shrubby fen (n=20)ij graminoid fen (n=16)

43

ij1 treed fen (n=4)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Trees

[ 25 ] Black spruce[ 20 ] White spruce[ 5 ] Larch

Shrub

[ 20 ] Willow[ 6 ] Labrador tea[ 2 ] Dwarf birch

Forb

[ 1 ] Field horsetail[ 1 ] Sweet scented bedstraw[ 3 ] Scouring rush[ 1 ] Dandelion

Grass

[ 20 ] Sedge[ 1 ] Hairy wildrye[ 7 ] Wire rush

Moss [ 10 ] Golden moss


Moisture regime: subhygric, subhydricNutrient regime: rich, poor, mediumTopographic position: level, depressionSlope: levelAspect: variable


Organic thickness: (>80)(60-79)Humus form: mor, peaty morSurface texture: fibric, mesicEffective texture: fibric, mesic

Depth to Mottles/Gley: not applicableDrainage: imperfect, poor, very poorParent material: OSoil subgroup:R.G, TY.M, TY.F, T.M, T.F, R.HG,O.HG, O.G, FI.M

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________D12 Sb/Willow/Wire rush-Sedge/Moss (n=3)E17 Sb-Lt/Labrador tea(n=1)

44

ij2 shrubby fen (n=20)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Trees

[ 2 ] Aspen

Shrub

[ 20 ] Willow[ 4 ] Shrubby cinquefoil[ 14 ] Dwarf birch

Forb

[ 2 ] Lindley’s aster[ 2 ] Strawberry[ 1 ] Arrow leaved coltsfoot[ 1 ] Fireweed

Grass

[ 22 ] Sedge[ 2 ] Tufted hairgrass[ 5 ] Wire rush[ 2 ] Marsh reedgrass

Moss [ 4 ] Golden moss


Moisture regime: subhygric, subhydricNutrient regime: very rich, rich mediumTopographic position: level, depressionSlope: level, (0-2%)Aspect: variable


Organic thickness: (>80)(60-79)Humus form: mor, peaty morSurface texture: fibric, mesicEffective texture: fibric, mesicDepth to Mottles/Gley: not applicable

Drainage: imperfect, poor, very poorParent material: OSoil subgroup:R.G, TY.M, TY.F, T.M, T.F, R.HG,O.HG, O.G, FI.M

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________D2a Drummond’s willow (n=1)D3a Bebb willow/Marsh reedgrass (n=1)D8 Myrtle lv’d willow/Sedge (n=12)D9 Basket willow/Sedge (n=3)D9a Basket willow/Kentucky bluegrass (n=1)D11 Sw/Willow/Water sedge/Golden moss (n=2)

45

ij3 graminoid fen (n=16)CHARACTERISTIC SPECIES

Shrub

[ 1 ] Willow

Forb

[ 5 ] Purple avens[ 3 ] Smooth aster[ 4 ] Swamp horsetail[ 1 ] Fireweed

Grass

[ 43 ] Sedge[ 7 ] Fowl bluegrass[ 9 ] Wire rush[ 6 ] Marsh reedgrass[ 10 ] Cattail[ 2 ] Great bulrush


Moisture regime: hygric, subhydricNutrient regime: very rich, richTopographic position: level, depressionSlope: level, (0-2%)Aspect: variable


Organic thickness: (>80)(60-79)Humus form: mor, peaty morSurface texture: fibric, mesicEffective texture: fibric, mesic

Depth to Mottles/Gley: not applicableDrainage: imperfect, poorParent material: OSoil subgroup:R.G, TY.M, TY.F, T.M, T.F, R.HG,O.HG, O.G, FI.M

RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES_____________________________________B12 Beaked-Water Sedge (n=8)B12a Awned SedgeB17 Creeping spike rush (n=1)B18 Small fruited bulrush (n=1)B19 Great bulrush (n=1)B20 Cattail (n=2)

46

Results

The analysis of the 1292 plots distinguished 141 community types. These types weresplit into 9 categories:

A. Native grasslands (Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts) 14 types

B. Native grasslands (Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts) 23 types

C. Disturbed grasslands (Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts) 15 types

D. Native shrublands 17 types

E. Conifer types 26 types

F. Mixedwood types 13 types

G. Deciduous types 16 types

H. Cutblocks 10 types

I. Cypress Hills 7 types

The dominant plant species, canopy cover, environmental conditions, forage production andcarrying capacity are outlined for each community type.

47

Montane grassland ecology

The Montane subregion has highly variable ecological conditions. Much of the variationis the result of complex topography, while the small size of individual ecosystems results in astrong ecotonal effect from the surrounding environments (Strong 1992). Much of the grasslandvegetation occurs on south and west facing slopes where seasonally low rainfall coupled withhigh evapotranspiration, dries the soil sufficiently to kill tree seedlings (Daubenmire 1978). Fireis also an important factor in determining the composition of grasslands because of the highflammability of the vegetation during the dry periods. A lack of fire and an increase in annualprecipitation favours the growth of trees onto the more mesic sites.

The Whaleback ridge, Porcupine Hills and south into the Castle area are composed of amixture of rough fescue grassland, aspen, Douglas fir and lodgepole pine. This area ischaracteristic of the Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts (Strong and Thompson 1995) anarea of ridged and rolling hills, with moderate slopes (6-30%) and Black Chernozemic soils onsubmesic to mesic sites. In the Banff and Jasper river valleys and northern Montane areas(Grande Cache, Red Deer river valley) open Douglas fir, lodgepole pine and Fringedsage/Junegrass communities are common on steep south facing slopes, shallow rocky soils andcoarse textured outwash (Strong 1992). These areas are typical of the Banff and JasperMountain ecodistricts. These ecodistricts have steep slopes (10-45%) and are dominated byEutric Brunisolic soils, with submesic to xeric moisture regimes (Strong 1992).

The Cypress Hills ecodistrict is an unglaciated plateau ranging in elevation from about1300 m in the east to1465 m at the highest point. Once considered boreal foothills, the area hasbeen reclassified as montane given the bimodal summer precipitation peaks (June andSeptember), the potential for freezing temperatures in all months and the combination of closed-canopied lodgepole pine forest with fescue grassland (Strong and Leggatt 1992). Soil parentmaterials are somewhat unique on the plateau where ancient tertiary gravels are exposed, or, maybe capped by a variable veneer of loess; fine silty material deposited by wind from post glaciallake beds to the west of the plateau. Soils are mostly Black Chernozems where grasslandvegetation has dominated. Thelma soils are loamy Orthic Black Chernozems associated withrough fescue communities on the top of the bench. Also associated with rough fescue cover,Delmas and Marmaduke soil series are gravel and shallow to gravel Orthic Dark BrownChernozems found on the shoulder of the escarpment. Orthic Dark Grey Luvisols, like the soilsseries Reesor (loamy) have developed where lodgepole pine or aspen forest have prevailed(Greenlee 1981). The grassland community types of the Montane subregion are outlined in Table2.

Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts

The two dominant grassland communities in Banff and Jasper National Park include theFringed sage/Junegrass and Northern wheatgrass-Sheep fescue community types. Thesecommunities are typical of steep, south and westerly facing slopes with xeric to subxericmoisture regimes. The soils are poorly developed and nutrient poor. Variants of thesecommunity types included the Pussy toes/Junegrass community, which is also found on shallow,

48

Table 2. Grassland community types of the Montane subregion.(*estimated production)Community Community Productivity(kg/Ha) Carryingname type Grass Forb Shrub Total Moisture Drainage capacity (ha/AUM)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________A. Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistrictsA1. Fringed sage/Junegrass - - - 250-750* Subxeric Rapidly 4-18A2. Northern wheatgrass-Sheep fescue - - - 400* Subxeric Rapidly 4.0A3. Small leaved everlasting/Junegrass - - - 250* Xeric Rapidly 18.0A4. Juniper/Northern wheatgrass-Columbia

needlegrass - - - 250* Xeric Rapidly 18.0A5. Little clubmoss/Richardson needlegrass - - - 385* Subxeric Rapidly 2.4A6. Kentucky bluegrass-Junegrass/Dandelion - - - 1500* Submesic Well 0.6A7. Bearberry/Juniper - - - 500* Subxeric Well 1.8A8. Rose-Snowberry - - - 750* Submesic Well 3.0A9. Tufted hairgrass-Sedge 1208 98 0 1256 Subhygric Mod. Well 1.1A10. Bog birch/Sedge-Rough fescue 592 198 12 802 Mesic Well 1.7A11. Rough fescue-Fringed brome-Sedge 802 322 82 1207 Submesic Well 1.1A12. Rough fescue-Sedge-Junegrass 584 228 69 881 Subxeric Rapidly 1.5A13. Sedge-Junegrass 451 71 5 520 Submesic Well 2.6A14. Creeping red fescue-Timothy - - - 1500 Mesic Well 0.9B. Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistrictsB1. Rough fescue-Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass 1338 526 83 1912 Mesic Well 0.5B2. Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue 951 353 55 1363 Mesic Well 0.7B3. Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge 750 457 238 1456 Subxeric Rapidly 2.0B4. Rough fescue-Sedge/Bearberry 798 499 617 1540 Subxeric Rapidly 1.5B5. Big sagebrush/B.wheatgrass-Sedge 182 250 276 708 Subxeric Rapidly 2.0B6. Saskatoon-Rose-Snowberry/Bearberry 232 570 240 1335 Subxeric Rapidly 1.8B6a. Snowberry-Rose-Saskatoon 879 543 136 1303 Mesic Well 1.8__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

49

Table 2. Grassland community types of the Montane subregion (continued).Community Community Productivity(kg/Ha) Carryingname type Grass Forb Shrub Total Moisture Drainage capacity (ha/AUM)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________B7. Pinegrass-Hairy wildrye/Strawberry 1487 1003 0 2260 Mesic Well 0.8B8. Douglas fir/Idaho fescue-Rough fescue 565 238 1592 2395 Submesic Well 0.7B9. Douglas fir/Idaho fescue-Sandberg bluegrass- - - 1750* Submesic Well 0.8B10. Aw/Strawberry/Rough fescue 1170 1206 0 2376 Hygric Mod. Well 1.5B11. Thimbleberry 2190 25 186 2632 Subhygric Mod. Well 2.5B12. Beaked -Water Sedge 2298 608 - 2906 Hydric Imperfectly 0.4B12a Awned Sedge 2000 150 - 2150 Hydric Imperfectly 0.4B13. Tufted hairgrass-Baltic rush 2238 239 170 2646 Hygric Poorly 1.0B13a Baltic rush 1250* Hygric Poorly 0.8B14. Forb meadows 824 146 292 1262 Subhygric Well 0.7B15. Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye 1996 645 96 2737 Mesic Well 0.5B16. Big sagebrush-Buckthorn/K. bluegrass 268 745 141 1154 Mesic Well 0.8B17. Creeping spike rush 1200* Hygric Poorly 0.8B18 Small fruited bulrush 1500* Hygric Poorly 0.7B19 Great bulrush 2200* Hydric Very poorly 0.5B20 Cattail 2500* Hydric Very poorly 0.5C. Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts (disturbed grasslands)C1. Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge 1347 456 9 1812 Mesic Well 0.7C1a. Sedge-P.oatgrass-Idaho fescue 1000* Submesic Rapidly 1.0C2. Canada bluegrass-R. fescue-S.wheatgrass 1455 542 9 1637 Mesic Well 0.5C3. Kentucky bluegrass-Rough fescue 1749 587 47 2365 Mesic Well 0.5C4. Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion 1762 696 52 2510 Mesic Well 0.5C5. Smooth brome-Kentucky bluegrass 1596 292 38 1925 Mesic Well 0.5C6. Sedge/Little clubmoss-Moss phlox 460 355 67 881 Submesic Rapidly 1.5C6a. Little clubmoss/Sedge 700* Submesic Well 1.8____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

50

Table 2. Grassland community types of the Montane subregion (continued).Community Community Productivity(kg/Ha) Carryingname type Grass Forb Shrub Total Moisture Drainage capacity (ha/AUM)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________C7. Creeping red fescue/Dandelion-Clover 1833 601 0 2434 Mesic Well 0.5C8. Northern wheatgrass-Kentucky bluegrass 1112 642 82 1836 Submesic Well 3.0C9. Rough fescue-Kentucky bluegrass 1139 449 28 1611 Mesic Well 0.5C10. Rough fescue-Sedge-Brome 2185 136 0 2321 Mesic Well 0.5C11. Snowberry-Kentucky bluegrass 1184 0 2464 3648 Mesic Well 1.1C12. Aw/Orchardgrass-Kentucky bluegrass 1000 300 400 1700 Mesic Well 0.7C13. Sedge-Junegrass-B. wheatgrass 900* Subxeric Rapidly 2.5

I. Cypress Hills ecodistrict

I1. Foothills rough fescue-Western porcupine grass 1361 62 - 1423 Submesic Well 0.6

I2. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Intermediate oatgrass 1980 278 - 2258 Mesic Well 0.4

I3. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Golden bean 1928* Mesic Well 0.5

I4. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Idaho fescue 1850* Mesic Well 0.5

I5. Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy 1245* Mesic Well 0.7I6. Silverberry/Kentucky bluegrass 1250* Mesic Well 0.7__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 Throughout the guide the rough fescue species listed for the Banff and Jasperecodistricts is likely a mixture of foothills rough fescue (Festuca campestris) and northern roughfescue (Festuca altaica), whereas the rough fescue listed for the Blairmore and Morley Foothillsecodistricts is Foothills rough fescue only (F. campestris). The rough fescue listed in theCypress Hills is a mixture of foothills rough fescue (F. campestris) and plains rough fescue (F.hallii) (Hill et al. 1995).

51

south facing slopes and the Juniper/Northern wheatgrass community which is typical ofregosolic, eolian sand dunes of the Athabasca river valley near Jasper (Corns and Achuff 1982). A Little clubmoss/Richardson needlgrass community was also found on shallow south facingslopes in small isolated areas within the fir, white spruce, lodgepole pine and douglas fir forests.

A Kentucky bluegrass-Junegrass/Dandelion community type was described on lower tolevel slope positions with submesic to subxeric moisture regimes. The presence of a high coverof Junegrass indicates the close affinity this grassland has with the Fringed sage/Junegrasscommunity type. The high cover of Kentucky bluegrass is indicative of heavy grazing influenceon this community type.

There were two upland shrub communities found on steep south facing slopes(Bearberry/Juniper and Rose-Snowberry). These community types represented the transitionfrom grassland to forest. The Bearberry/Juniper community type represents the transition fromthe grassland communities to the dry lodgepole pine, douglas fir and spruce forests. In contrastthe Rose-Snowberry shrubland appears to represent the transition to moister deciduous andspruce forests.

The grasslands in the Ya Ha Tinda area of the Banff and Jasper ecodistricts aretransitional between the grasslands described in Banff and Jasper National Parks and thegrasslands in the Morley and Blairmore Foothills ecodistricts of southern Alberta. Roughfescue1 is common in the Ya Ha Tinda which gives these grasslands some affinity to the roughfescue dominated grasslands in Southern Alberta. The predominance of junegrass and northernwheatgrass in the Ya Ha Tinda also gives these grasslands some affinity to the grasslandsdescribed near Banff and Jasper. The grasslands of the Ya Ha Tinda tend to be dry and welldrained. They occur on south and west facing slopes and coarse textured fluvial areas. The dryslopes tend to have a predominance of rough fescue, sedge and junegrass. In contrast the levelfluvial areas have a predominance of rough fescue and fringed brome. There are a number ofcommunity types in the Ya Ha Tinda that are transitional to the Upper Foothills and Subalpinesubregions. These include the Tufted hairgrass-Sedge and Bog birch/Sedge-Rough fescuedominated community types.

Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts

The dominant grassland community types of these ecodistricts near the Porcupine hillsand south into the Castle area are outlined in Figures 1 and 2. The Rough fescue-Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass dominates mesic to submesic, lower slope positions and terraces with BlackChernozemic soils. Situated upslope from this plant community on slightly drier sites withpoorer soils, Parry oatgrass and Idaho fescue replace rough fescue as the dominant grass to form

52

the Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue community type. The Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge community is found on steep south-facing slopes with Regosolic and Brunisolic soils. Further upslope on dry sandstone outcrops and xeric hillcrests, limber pine dominatedcommunity types are very common. A Rough fescue-Sedge/Bearberry-dominated communitytype is found on hilltops throughout the area. This type tends to be drier than the lower slopedominated rough fescue community type, but it is moister and not as rapidly drained as theBluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge and limber pine dominated community types. Douglas firinvasion is common on these hilltop community types, to form the Douglas fir/Idaho fescue-Rough fescue and Douglas fir/Idaho fescue-Sandberg bluegrass community types. At higherelevations the ecotone between forest and grassland is dominated by the Snowberry-Rose-Saskatoon/Bearberry community type on drier sites and by the Pinegrass-Hairy wildryecommunity on moister sites with northerly aspects.

A Big sagebrush/Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge community type was described on agravelly south facing slope south of Blairmore. This community type is rare in Alberta andappears to be an extension of the Palouse prairie from Eastern Washington (Moss 1947).

There are a number of community types that are characteristic of moist, poorly drained,nutrient rich sites. These include Thimbleberry brush, Sedge meadows, Tufted hairgrass-Balticrush and Forb meadows. The Tufted hairgrass-Baltic rush community has plant species that aremore characteristic of the Subalpine subregion (Willoughby 1999) and may represent thetransition to the subalpine. Thompson and Hansen (2002) have described a number of graminoidwetland dominated communities. These types have been included in this guide. These typesinclude Water, Beaked and Awned sedge, creeping spike rush, bulrush and cattail dominatedmeadows. These community types are not common in the higher elevations of the Montane andare generally found in the eastern part of the Montane and are transitional to the Foothills Fescueand Foothills Parkland subregions.

There are a number of different grassland community types that have been influenced bygrazing pressure. Increased grazing pressure on a rough fescue dominated community type leadsto a decline in rough fescue and an increase in Parry oatgrass and Idaho fescue to form the Idahofescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge community (Willoughby 1992). Continued heavy grazing pressureallows Kentucky or Canada bluegrass to establish to form the Kentucky bluegrass-Rough fescueor Canada bluegrass-Rough fescue community types. Continued heavy grazing pressureeventually leads to a decline in all native species and the site is dominated by Kentuckybluegrass and dandelion to form the Kentucky bluegrass\Dandelion community type. There are anumber of community types that have been seeded to tame forage species through cultivation orreclamation. These include the Smooth brome-Kentucky bluegrass and Creeping redfescue/Dandelion-Clover community types. On the drier slopes increased grazing pressure on the Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Roughfescue and Bluebunch wheatgrass community types leads to an increase in low growing forbsand graminoids to form the Sedge/Little clubmoss-Moss phlox community type. On moistersites in these community types, grazing disturbance also leads to the formation of Parry oatgrass-Timothy and Northern wheatgrass-Kentucky bluegrass dominated community types.

Cypress Hills ecodistrict

53

Plant communities described in the Cypress Hills are associated with the nearly levelplateau or the upper edges of the steep escarpment or rolling uplands. They include a mixture ofrough fescue grassland and closed canopy aspen and lodgepole pine dominated forests. TheRough fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb.) related plant communities of the Cypress Hills Plateauare unique in the relatively high canopy of Shrubby Cinquefoil (compared to fescue communitiesdescribed in southwestern Alberta and appears to be a function of the gravelly soil) and theabundance of Intermediate oat grass, a major subdominant grassland species (Moss 1955). Onthe steep, dry slopes Western Porcupine grass often replaces Intermediate oatgrass in thesegrassland communities. Idaho fescue also replaces Intermediate oatgrass on shallower soils withgentler slopes. An unresolved issue is the apparent expression of Rough fescue as the FoothillsRough fescue (F. campestris Rydb.) bunch grass type on the top of the plateau and the PlainsRough fescue (F. hallii Vassey) rhizomatous form on the adjoining slopes of the Cypress Hills.

54

55

56

Native grassland key1. Grasslands found in Banff, Jasper, Ya Ha Tinda or Cypress Hills...............................................................................2

Grasslands found in the Porcupine Hills, Castle, Gap or Whaleback.....Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts2. Grasslands found in Banff, Jasper or Ya Ha Tinda.................................Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts

Grasslands found in the Cypress Hills....................................................Cypress Hills ecodistrict

Blairmore and Morley Foothills ecodistricts1. Grassland shows signs of extensive grazing pressure, such as a reduction in tall forbs, and an increase in invader speciessuch as Kentucky bluegrass, dandelion, Timothy, Creeping red fescue, and Smooth brome, Orchardgrass.Disturbed grasslands

Native grasslands, recovering grasslands, or invaded exclosure sites dominated by Rough fescue, Parry oatgrass, Idahofescue, and Bluebunch wheatgrass, and invaded by Kentucky bluegrass or Mountain brome(also includes grasslands beingencroached by trees Fd, Aw).............................................................................................................................................. 22. Grassland forest transition. Aw, Fd, Pinegrass, Snowberry, Saskatoon, and Rose present in the canopy................ 3

South facing slopes or hilltops dominated by, Rough fescue, Parry oatgrass, Bluebunch wheatgrass, Big sagebrush or ,depressional or seepage areas dominated by Thimbleberry, sedges, bulrushes or cattails. Site may or may not contain tamespecies such as Kentucky bluegrass and Mountain brome................................................................................................ 73. Douglas fir is present.................................................................................................................................................. 4

Aw, Pinegrass, snowberry, Saskatoon, Rose or Bearberry dominant........................................................................ 54. Idaho fescue and Rough fescue are dominant and the community is a transition between fescue grassland and Douglas firdominated forest..............................................................................................................Fd/Idaho fescue-Rough fescue b8

Idaho fescue and Sandberg bluegrass are dominant. Site is also a transition to Douglas fir forest, but is much drier than theabove as is indicated by the presence of Sandberg bluegrass, Little club moss and Fringed sage...................... ..........................................................................................................................................Fd/Idaho-fescue-Sandberg bluegrass b95. Moist mesic sites(pinegrass dominated or aspen invaded grasslands)........................................................................ 6

Dry or seepage sites containing bearberry snowberry-Saskatoon, and rough fescue. A transition site between Rough fescuedominated grasslands and Douglas fir and Lodgepole pine dominated forests........................................................ 5a5a. Dry upper slope positions dominated by Saskatoon and Bearberry........... Saskatoon-Rose-Snowberry/Bearberry b6 Moist seepage areas dominated by Snowberry and Rose.............Snowberry-Rose-Saskatoon b6a6. Sites dominated by Pinegrass and Hairy wildrye. Area receives some seepage throughout the growing season and has a highforb cover. High moisture of the site allows for production of over 2000kg/ha..Pinegrass-Hairy wildrye/Strawberry b7

Sites dominated by Rough fescue and Strawberry, and is a transition from a Rough fescue dominated grassland to an Aspendominated forest. Aspen trees have moved onto a fescue grassland and the understory is moving towards a Strawberry/Slenderwheatgrass, and this community type is part of the transition.........................................Aw/Strawberry/Rough fescue b107. Moist sites dominated by Thimbleberry, sedges, bulrushes, Cattails Lindley’s aster and Wild bergamont, Tufted hairgrass,or Big sagebrush-Buckthorn................................................................................................................................................

8Lower slopes with deep soils, and moist conditions, or Hilltops and steep south facing slopes, Bluebunch wheatgrass, Big

sagebrush, Rough fescue, and Sedge dominant.................................................................................................................. 128. Sites are nutrient rich seepage areas dominated by Thimbleberry....................................................Thimbleberry b11 Sites dominated by sedges, bulrushes, cattails, Lindley’s aster and Wild bergamont, Tufted hairgrass, or Big sagebrush-Buckthorn.............................................................................................................................................................................99. Sites are commonly wet, experience periodic flooding, and dominated by sedges, bulrushes, rushes or cattails........9a

Sites dominated by Lindley’s aster and Wild bergamont, Tufted hairgrass, or Big sagebrush-Buckthorn................ 109a Wet sites dominated by sedges.....................................................................................................................................9b

Wet sites dominated by bulrushes, rushes or cattails....................................................................................................9c9b Sites dominated by water or beaked sedge........................................................................... Beaked-Water sedge b12

Sites dominated by awned sedge......................................................................................... Awned sedge b12a9c Site dominated by bulrush or rush species....................................................................................................................9d

Site dominated by cattails or creeping spike rush.........................................................................................................9f9d Grazed site dominated by baltic rush.................................................................................................. Baltic rush b13a

Ungrazed site dominated by bulrushes.........................................................................................................................9e9e Site dominated by small fruited bulrush............................................................................. Small fruited bulrush b18

Very wet site dominated by great bulrush....................................................................................... Great bulrush b199f Very wet sites dominated by cattails............................................................................................... Cattails b20

Boggy sites dominated by creeping spike rush...................................................................... Creeping spike rush b1710. Sites is a small isolated forest opening dominated by forbs specifically Lindley’s aster and Wild bergamont. Sites tend to bemoist and well drained and probably receive some nutrient seepage at some point in the year...............Forb meadows b14

Sites dominated by Tufted hairgrass, or Big sagebrush-Buckthorn........................................................................... 11

57

11. Sites dominated by Tufted hairgrass, and are located on moist meadows at higher elevations and slightly drier than theSedge meadows community type.....................................................................................Tufted hairgrass-Baltic rush b13

Sites dominated by Big sagebrush-Buckthorn. Sites dominated by Buckthorn will be moist areas of meadows with finetextured soils. Big sagebrush dominated sites will found on drier creek beds with gravely soils..............................................................................................................................................Big Sagebrush-Buckthorn/Kentucky bluegrass b1612. Lower slope sites with deep soils. Rough fescue, Parry’s oatgrass, or Idaho fescue Hairy wildrye dominant........... 13 Hilltops and steep south facing slopes. Bluebunch wheatgrass, Big sagebrush, Rough fescue and sedge dominant.. 1813. Mesic lower slope and level areas, Rough fescue dominant......................................................................................... 14 Upper slopes, Parry oatgrass, Idaho fescue dominant................................................................................................. 1714. Site is predominantly native species very little tame species....................................................................................... 15

Site shows signs of extensive grazing pressure, particularly the reduction in tall forbs and the invasion of tame grass speciessuch as Kentucky bluegrass and timothy............................................................................................................................ 1615. Site is the modal grassland community type on Black Chernozemic soils in the foothills of southern Alberta. On rocky andgravelly slopes Rough fescue is replaced by Parry’s oatgrass and Idaho fescue....................................................................................................................................................................................Rough fescue-Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass b1

Site represents the transition between the lower Montane subregion and the higher Subalpine region (hairy wildrye co-dominant)............................................................................................................................Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye b1516. Site is found in lower slope positions that have been moderately grazed. Mountain brome has invaded...........................................................................................................................................Rough fescue-Sedge-Mountain brome c10

Site has been heavily grazed to the point that Kentucky bluegrass has invaded, and is now recovering or is an ungrazedexclosure that has been invaded by Kentucky bluegras............................................Rough fescue-Kentucky bluegrass c917. Site occupies lower slope positions and represents a Rough fescue-Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass community type that hasbeen moderately or heavily grazed for a number of seasons...................................Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge c1

Site is up slope and is drier than the Rough fescue-Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescue community type and is dominated by Parryoatgrass, Idaho fescue or Sedge........................................................................................................................... 17a17a Lightly grazed site dominate by Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass and rough fescue..I.fescue-P.oatgrass-R.fescue b2 Moderately grazed site dominated by Sedge..................................Sedge-Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass c1a18. Site is located on hilltops, and has shallow poorly developed soils. This community is drier than Rough fescue communitiesin lower slope positions, and wetter than the Bluebunch wheatgrass community found on southerly slopes. Rough fescue, sedge,and Bearberry are dominant...........................................................................................Rough fescue-Sedge/Bearberry b4

Site is located on a south facing slope........................................................................................................................ 1919. Site is dominated by Big sagebrush, and located on gravelly south facing slopes...................................................................................................................................................................................Big sagebrush/Bluebunch wheatgrass b5

Site is dominated by Bluebunch wheatgrass and sedge, or site is moderately grazed and dominated by Sedge, Moss phloxand Little club moss............................................................................................................................................................ 20 20. Bluebunch wheatgrass is dominant. Site is found on well drained south facing slopes.........................................................................................................................................Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge b3

Moderately to heavily grazed gravelly site within the Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue and Bluebunch wheatgrass dominatedcommunity types. Sedge, Moss phlox, Little club moss or fringed sage are dominant...................................................... 2121 Moderately grazed site dominated by sedge..............Sedge/Little clubmoss-Moss phlox c6 Heavily grazed site dominated by Little clubmoss, Moss phlox or fringed sage ....Little clubmoss/Sedge c6aDisturbed grassland key1. Community results from grazing pressure................................................................................................................. 3

Community results from seeding an area with tame grasses...................................................................................... 22. Site is a natural gas pipeline or power transmission line that has been seeded to Creeping red fescue. Originally the site wasa rough fescue grassland..................................................................................Creeping red fescue/Dandelion-Clover c7

Site was once a Rough fescue dominated community, but it has been cultivated and seeded to Smooth brome ororchardgrass.........................................................................................................................................................................2a2a Smooth brome dominated community.............................................................. Smooth brome-Kentucky bluegrass c5 Orchardgrass present, Aspen maybe invading...............................................Aw/Orchardgrass-K. bluegrass c123. Dry sites..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Mesic and moist sites................................................................................................................................................. 74 Site is a dry site found at lower slope positions dominated by Idaho fescue and Parry oatgrass. Grazing caused a decrease inRough fescue and an increase in Idaho fescue, Parry oatgrass and sedge. .................................................................. 4a

Site dominated by Northern wheatgrass, Sedge and Little club moss, or Canada bluegrass...................................... 54a. Moist site lower slope position, dominated by Idaho fescue, Parry oatgrass with some Rough fescue....................................................................................................................................Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge c1 Dry upper slope positions dominated by sedge......................................................................................................... 4b

58

4b. Moister sites which represent the grazed Parry oatgrass ecological site........Sedge-Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescue c1a Dry sites which represent the grazed Bluebunch wheatgrass ecological site..Sedge-Junegrass-B. wheatgrass c135. Site found on dry moderately to heavily grazed south facing slopes with shallow soils above the Oldman river. Communityis dominated by Northern wheatgrass.........................................................Northern wheatgrass-Kentucky bluegrass c8

Sites dominated by Sedge and Little clubmoss, or Canada bluegrass......................................................................... 66. Site is dry and gravelly in a Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue and Bluebunch wheatgrass dominated community type. Site isdominated by Sedge and Little clubmoss................................................................................................................. 6a

Site is on shallow nutrient poor soils on lower slope positions, indicative of communities containing Canada bluegrass, bluntsedge, Junegrass, and Plains reedgrass..............................Canada bluegrass-Rough fescue-Slender wheatgrass c26a. Moderately grazed site dominated by sedge..............Sedge/Little clubmoss-Moss phlox c6 Heavily grazed site dominated by Little clubmoss, Moss phlox or fringed sage ....Little clubmoss/Sedge c6a7. Site is found on lower slope positions along the valley bottoms of the Porcupine Hills. Sites contain sufficient moisture tosupport the growth of Snowberry and Kentucky bluegrass.........................................Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass c11 Sites found on the lower sections of south facing slopes with mesic to subhygric moisture regimes and no Snowberry 88. Site contains Mountain brome.................................................................Rough fescue-Sedge-Mountain brome c10

Sites where Kentucky bluegrass is a dominant component........................................................................................ 99. Timothy is a major grass in the community.........................................Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion c4

No or little Timothy in the community...................................................................................................................... 1010. Heavily grazed grassland which is recovering, Rough fescue is more prevalent than Kentucky bluegrass.............................................................................................................................................Rough fescue-Kentucky bluegrass c9

Heavily grazed grassland, Kentucky bluegrass is more prevalent than the native species in community...............................................................................................................................................Kentucky bluegrass-Rough fescue c3Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts 1. Ya Ha Tinda area........................................................................................................................................................ 2

Forest transition and south facing slopes, level areas, or sand dunes associated with White spruce forests in Banff and JasperNational Parks......................................................................................................................................................... 72. Moist sites dominated by Tufted hairgrass and Bog birch......................................................................................... 3

Mesic sites dominated by Rough fescue, Sedge, and Junegrass................................................................................. 43. Site is moist and better drained than pure sedge meadows. Tufted hairgrass dominates thevegetation...................................................................................................................................Tufted hairgrass-Sedge a9

Site is a fescue grassland invaded with Bog birch. Bog birch, Rough fescue, Sedge are dominate...............................................................................................................................................................Bog birch/Sedge-Rough fescue a104. Rough fescue dominated............................................................................................................................................. 5

Grazing modified or cultivated................................................................................................................................... 65. Site occurs on steeper, morainal and colluvial slopes. There is little Fringed brome on the site because of the dry siteconditions, Junegrass is predominant............................................................................Rough fescue-Sedge-Junegrass a12

Site is located on coarse textured fluvial areas and moister south and west facing slopes. Rough fescue, Sedge, and Fringedbrome are dominant...............................................................................................Rough fescue-Fringed brome-Sedge a116. Site has coarse textured fluvial soils and has been modified by grazing. Sedge and Junegrass dominate thesite.........................................................................................................................................................Sedge-Junegrass a13

Site is a spruce cutblock that was seeded to Creeping red fescue and Timothy.....Creeping red fescue-Timothy a147. Forest transition. Little clubmoss, Richardson needlegrass, Bearberry, Juniper, Rose, Snowberry dominant........ 8

South facing slopes and level areas. Ungrazed sites dominated by Fringed sage, Northern wheatgrass, Junegrass, and Smallleaved everlasting or sand dunes associated with White spruce forests. Grazed sites dominated by Kentucky bluegrass,Dandelion, and Junegrass................................................................................................................................................... 108. Juniper, Rose, Snowberry, Bearberry are dominant................................................................................................... 9

Site is located on an isolated south facing slope within the Pine-Spruce-Fir forests at higher elevations. Richardsonneedlegrass present.......................................................................................... Little clubmoss/Richarson needlegrass a59. Site is a forest-grassland ecotone on dry, rocky south facing slope in the Banff and Jasper river valleys. Bearberry andJuniper are dominant...........................................................................................................................Bearberry/Juniper a7

Site is a forest grassland ecotone on south facing slopes both in the Mountain and foothills ecodistricts. Area is moisterwith better developed soils than the Bearberry/Juniper community type. Moving towards a deciduous dominated forest. Rose andSnowberry dominant in the understory............................................................................................Rose/Snowberry a810. Level areas.................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Lower elevations, sand dunes, or higher elevations.................................................................................................... 1211. Gravelly soils found in the level areas in the Athabasca and North Saskatchewan river valleys near Jasper and Saskatchewancrossing. Small-leaved everlasting dominant .........................................................Small-leaved everlasting/Junegrass a3

Grazed fescue grassland sites on lower and level slope positions with submesic to mesic moisture regimes. Kentucky

59

bluegrass and dandelion dominant..............................................................Kentucky bluegrass-Junegrass/Dandelion a6

12. Site is found on the dry south facing lower slopes in the river valleys near Banff and Jasper. South facing slopes and thedessicating winds contribute to a climate similar to the Mixed Prairie subregion. Fringed sage and Junegrass dominant.....................................................................................................................................................Fringed sage/Junegrass a1

Sand dunes and higher elevations than above community......................................................................................... 1313. Area is sand dunes with white spruce stands growing in the mesic depressions between the sand dunes. This communitytype occupies lower elevation, dry, steep slopes, and is dominated by Juniper................... ...............................................................................................................................................Juniper/Northern wheatgrass-Columbia needlegrass a4

Site occupies the dry steep south facing slopes slightly higher elevations than Fringed sage/Junegrass. Northern wheatgrassand sheep fescue are dominant..............................................................................Northern wheatgrass-Sheep fescue a2


1. Shrubby cinquefoil or rough fescue dominated sites........................................................................................... 2Moister sites dominated by snowberry or silverberry.......................................................................................... 5

2. Shrubby cinquefoil dominated communities....................................................................................................... 3Shrubby cinquefoil greatly reduced, site is found on slopes and dominated by Foothills rough fescue andWestern porcupine grass........................................... Foothills rough fescue-Western porcupine grass I1

3. Ungrazed communities dominated by rough fescue and codominated by Intermediate oatgrass or Idaho fescue. 4Patched grazed community dominated by rough fescue and golden bean .. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills roughfescue-Golden bean I3

4. Modal grassland community codominated by Intermediate oatgrass.. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Intermediate oatgrass I2Site with shallower soils codominated by Idaho fescue....Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Idaho fescue I4

5. Seepage area dominated by silverberry......................................... Silverberry/Kentucky bluegrass I6Seepage area dominated by snowberry.......................................... Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass I5

60

MONTANE SUBREGION

BANFF AND JASPER MOUNTAIN ECODISTRICTS

GRASSLAND COMMUNITY TYPES

Photo 2: Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts. This is a typical grassland of south-facingslopes in Jasper National Park. The high population of wild ungulates in the National Parks hasresulted in heavy use on many of these grassland communities.

61

A1. Fringed sage/Junegrass(Artemisia frigida/Koelera macrantha)

n=11 This community type is typical of steep south facing slopes, at lower elevations in the river valleys nearBanff and Jasper. It is similar to the Junegrass-Plains reedgrass community described by Stringer (1973) near Banffand Jasper, the Purple reedgrass/Fringed sage community described by Bailey et al. (1992) in the Yukon and theFringed sage/Slender wheatgrass community described by Pojar (1982) in Northern British Columbia. Theprominent species of these grasslands (junegrass, northern wheatgrass, fringed sage, pussy toes and bearberry) aretypical of xerophytic and Mixed Prairie type grasslands throughout Western Canada. The dessicating winds of thearea and steep south- facing slopes would contribute to a climate that is similar to the Mixed Prairie subregion(Strong 1992). Grazing has also seemed to have had an influence on this community type. Stringer (1973) felt thatwith protection from heavy wildlife grazing Plains reedgrass and northern wheatgrass would increase and fringedsage and junegrass would decrease. Bailey et al. (1992), found that fringed sage, pussy toes, bearberry and lowgrowing sedges increased and purple reedgrass declined with increased grazing pressure on the Purplereedgrass/Fringed sage community type. It would appear the dry climate, and heavy grazing pressure by wildungulates have contributed to the development of this grassland community.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE4-18 HA/AUM

(0.04-0.1 AUMS/AC)

PLANT COMPOSITION CANOPY COVER(%)MEAN RANGE CONST.

SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 2 0-10 36GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 2 0-10 36

FORBSFRINGED SAGE (Artemisia frigida) 11 0-40 91BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 2 0-10 27WILD BLUE FLAX (Linum lewisii) 3 0-20 64SMALL LEAVED EVERYLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 4 0-30 27

GRASSESHAIRY WILDRYE (Elymus innovatus) 1 0-5 36JUNEGRASS (Koelera macrantha) 16 0-40 100PURPLE REEDGRASS (Calamagrostis purpurascens)4 0-15 55NORTHERN WHEATGRASS (Agropyron dasystachyum)4 0-25 46

ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLESMOISTURE REGIME:

SUBXERIC-XERICNUTRIENT REGIME:

SUBMESOTROPHICELEVATION:

1244( 990-1720) MSOIL DRAINAGE:

WELL TO RAPIDLYSLOPE:

29(2-65)%ASPECT:

SOUTHERLYECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 8

FORAGE PRODUCTION KG/HA

TOTAL 250-750 *ESTIMATE

62

A2. Northern wheatgrass-Sheep fescue(Agropyron dasystachyum-Festuca saximontana)

n=5 This community type is similar to the Fringed sage/Junegrass community type. It occupies dry, steep,south facing slopes at slightly higher elevations than the Fringed sage/Junegrass community in the river valleys nearBanff and Jasper. This community type appears to be in better range condition than the Fringed sage/Junegrasscommunity type. As Stringer (1973) found, when the Fringed sage/Junegrass type was protected from grazingnorthern wheatgrass increased in cover. The higher elevation of these sites may restrict access to wild ungulategrazing. Consequently, it would appear this community type is not grazed as heavily as the Fringed sage/Junegrasscommunity type.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE4 HA/AUM

(0.1 AUM/AC)


SHRUBSSASKATOON (Amelanchier alnifolia) 4 0-18 20

FORBSCOMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium)1 0-2 60SMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 1 0-3 40SILKY PERENNIAL LUPINE (Lupinus sericeus) 2 0-10 20YELLOW BEARDS TONGUE (Penstemon confertus) 1 0-5 60

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 5 0-25 40NORTHERN WHEATGRASS (Agropyron dasystachyum)34 10-60 100SHEEP FESCUE (Festuca sacimontana) 2 0-1 40JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 1 0-2 40

ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES

MOISTURE REGIME:SUBXERIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:SUBMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1561(1220-1859) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:RAPIDLY

SLOPE:34(5-65)%

ASPECT:SOUTHERLY

ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 16 OR 24


TOTAL 400 *ESTIMATE

63

A3. Small-leaved everlasting/Junegrass(Antennaria parviflora/Koeleria macrantha)

n=2 The two stands described in this community type are from dry, level areas in the Athabasca and NorthSaskatchewan river valleys near Jasper and Saskatchewan crossing. They are similar to the Fringed sage/Junegrasscommunity type, but lack cover of fringed sage. Small leaved everlasting is known to be well adapted to xericmoisture conditions (Moss 1992) and is known to increase with increased grazing pressure (Stringer 1973, Baileyet al. 1992). Presently, it is not clear why fringed sage is absent from these sites.


(<0.04 AUM/AC)


SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL. (Potentilla fruticosa) 1 0-1 50

FORBSSMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 18 5-30 100ALPINE MILK VETCH (Astragalus alpinus) 8 0-15 50GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 1 0-2 50FRINGED SAGE (Artemisia frigida) 1 0-1 50

GRASSESJUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 3 1-5 100NORTHERN WHEATGRASS (Agropyron dasystachyum)1 0-1 50UPLAND SEDGE (Carex spp.) 1 0-1 50


MOISTURE REGIME:XERIC


ELEVATION:1160(1000-1380) M


SLOPE:1(0-2)%

ASPECT:SOUTH TO WESTERLY



TOTAL 250 *ESTIMATE

64

A4. Juniper/Northern wheatgrass-Columbia needlegrass(Juniperus horizontalis/Agropyron trachycaulum-Stipa columbiana)

n=2 This community type is distinguished from the other grassland community types in the Banff and Jasperriver valleys by the presence of a high juniper cover. It occupies lower elevation, steep, xeric slopes with Regosolicand eolian soils. This community type often occurs in association with dense white spruce thickets which occurin mesic depressions between the sand dunes (Corns and Achuff 1982).


(<0.04 AUM/AC)


SHRUBSPRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1 1-1 100CREEPING JUNIPER (Juniperus horizontalis) 16 2-30 100GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 4 0-8 50

FORBSBEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 3 0-5 50ROSY EVERLASTING (Antennaria rosa) 8 0-15 50ASCENDING PURPLE MILK VETCH (Astragalus striatus) 5 0-10 50PRAIRIE GROUNDSEL (Senecio canus) 5 0-10 50GAILLARDIA (BROWN-EYED SUSAN) (Gaillardia aristata) 3 0-6 50

GRASSESNORTHERN WHEATGRASS (Agropyron dasystachyum)3 0-5 50COLUMBIA NEEDLEGRASS (Stipa columbiana) 8 0-15 50SHEEP FESCUE (Festuca saximontana) 4 0-8 50RUSH LIKE SEDGE (Carex scirpoides) 2 0-3 50


MOISTURE REGIME:XERIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:

SUBMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1285( 1050-1410) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: RAPIDLY

SLOPE:39(30-48)%

ASPECT:SOUTH TO WEST

PARENT MATERIAL:AEOLIAN

ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 24


TOTAL 250 *ESTIMATE

65

A5. Little clubmoss/Richardson needlegrass (Selaginella densa/Stipa richardsonii)

n=1 This community type is representative of small isolated, south facing slopes within the pine-spruce-firforests. Stringer (1973), described a similar community at higher elevations near Banff and Jasper. Stringer feltthis grassland was unrelated to any grasslands in Western North America and thus seemed to be a distinct grasslandtype characteristic of the moister sites in the Fescue prairies-coniferous forest ecotone of Banff and Jasper.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE2.4 HA/AUM

(0.17 AUM/AC)


FORBSLITTLE CLUBMOSS (Selaginella densa) 15 - 100SMALL- LEAVED EVERLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 8 - 100CUT LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 5 - 100TUFTED FLEABANE (Erigeron caespitosus) 5 - 100NODDING ONION (Allium cernuum) 2 - 100SMALL FLOWERED BEARDTONGUE (Penstemon procerus) 2 - 100

GRASSESRICHARDSON NEEDLEGRASS (Stipa richardsonii ) 8 - 100PURPLE REEDGRASS (Calamagrostis purpurascens)2 - 100JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 2 - 100NORTHERN WHEATGRASS (Agropyron dasystachyum)1 - 100

LICHEN 5 - 100




ELEVATION:1330 M

SOIL DRAINAGE:RAPIDLY TO WELL

SLOPE:15%

ASPECT:SOUTHWEST



TOTAL 385 *ESTIMATE

66

A6. Kentucky bluegrass-Junegrass/Dandelion(Poa pratensis-Koeleria macrantha/Taraxacum offincinle)

n=3 This community type was described on lower to level slope positions, with submesic to mesic moistureregimes. The presence of a high cover of Kentucky bluegrass is indicative of the heavy grazing influence on thiscommunity type. On mesic to subhygric sites in the fescue grasslands heavy grazing pressure is known to causea decline in native grass species allowing Kentucky bluegrass to increase (Willoughby 1992). The presence ofjunegrass indicates that this community has some affinity with the Fringed sage/Junegrass community found in thesame area. In the absence of grazing this community type may resemble a Rough fescue/Upland sedge communitydescribed on hill crests in the Porcupine hills (Willoughby 1992).

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.6 HA/AUM

(0.68 AUM/AC)


SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1 0-3 67CREEPING JUNIPER (Juniperus horizontalis) 2 0-7 33

FORBSBEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 3 0-10 33DANDELION (Taraxacum offincinale) 2 1-5 100CUT LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 1 0-2 67ASCENDING PURPLE MILK VETCH (Astragalus striatus) 5 0-15 33LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis monticola) 3 0-10 33

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 33 20-40 100JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 14 0-30 67SLENDER WHEATGRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum)2 0-5 67PARRY OATGRASS (Danthonia parryii) 2 0-5 67COLUMBIA NEEDLEGRASS (Stipa columbiana) 5 0-15 33


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBMESIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1328 (1110 - 1495) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL

SLOPE:7(0-21)

ASPECT:SOUTH



TOTAL 1500 *ESTIMATE

67

A7. Bearberry/Juniper(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/Juniperus spp.)

n=25 This community type represents the forest-grassland ecotone on dry, rocky, windswept, south facingslopes throughout the Banff and Jasper river valleys and higher elevation sites in the Blairmore and Morley Foothillsof the Montane. Indeed many of the stands described in this community type were placed into douglas fir andspruce forest types described by Corns and Achuff (1982). Lane et al. (2000), described a similar community typeLow northern sedge/Bearberry on rocky hilltops in the Lower Foothills subregion near Hinton.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.8 HA/AUM (0.2 AUM/AC)


TREESWHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4 0-25 50LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 2 0-11 44

SHRUBSJUNIPER (Juniperus communis, J. horizontalis) 9 3-35 100 BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 4 0-40 52SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 5 0-35 88

FORBSBEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)25 4-60 100WHITE CAMAS (Zigadenus elegans) 2 0-20 28SMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 1 0-10 12

GRASSESRUSH LIKE SEDGE (Carex scirpoidea) 2 0-20 16HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3 0-15 76JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 2 0-3 44


MOISTURE REGIME:XERIC TO SUBXERIC


ELEVATION:1330(1000-1660) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL TO RAPIDLY

SLOPE:28(0-68)%

ASPECT:SOUTHERLY-WESTERLY



TOTAL 500* *ESTIMATE

68

A8. Rose-Snowberry(Rosa acicularis-Symphoricarpos occidentalis)

n=6 This community type represents the forest-grassland ecotone on south facing slopes in both the Mountainand Foothills ecodistricts. This community type is moister and has better developed soils than the Bearberry/Junipercommunity type. This community type appears to be undergoing transition to a deciduous dominated forest. Manyof the dominant understory species (rose, strawberry, northern bedstraw, tall lungwort and hairy wildrye) are allcharacteristic of deciduous stands (Willoughby and Downing 1995).

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE3 HA /AUM (0.13 AUM/AC)


TREESWHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 1 0-2 33BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 1 0-6 17

SHRUBSPRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 23 0-60 67SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpos albus) 22 10-87 100BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 1 0-4 67SASKATOON (Amelanchier alnifolia) 3 0-12 50

FORBSBEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)1 0-8 17NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 2 1-4 100WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 12 1-52 100TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1 0-4 33LINDLEY’S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 3 0-13 50WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 4 0-22 33

GRASSESHAIRY WILDRYE (Elymus innovatus) 12 0-63 50MARSH REEDGRASS (Calamagrostis canadensis)3 0-86 17

TWO SEEDED SEDGE (Carex disperma) 3 0-18 17


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBMESIC-MESIC


ELEVATION:1308(1070-1539) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL

SLOPE:26(0-65)%

ASPECT:SOUTHWEST



TOTAL 750 *ESTIMATE

69

MONTANE SUBREGION

BANFF AND JASPER MOUNTAIN ECODISTRICTS

YA HA TINDA AREA

Photo 3: Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts. This is a typical grassland of south-facingslopes and meadows in the Ya Ha Tinda. These grasslands are transitional between thegrasslands described in Banff and Jasper National Parks and the Morley and Blairmore Foothillsecodistricts.

70

A9. Tufted hairgrass-Sedge(Deschampsia cespitosa-Carex praegracilis)

n=1 This community type is located on moist sites that are better drained than pure sedge meadows.Willoughby (1992) and Willoughby (1999), found that tufted hairgrass is a common plant species on these lowlandsites throughout the Upper Foothills and lower Subalpine subregions. The presence of this community type in theYa Ha Tinda indicates that many of the grasslands in this area are transitional to the Upper Foothills and Subalpinesubregions. Morgantini and Russell (1983), found that elk preferred the rough fescue dominated areas over thesetufted hairgrass dominated communities at Ribbon flats just west of the Ya Ha Tinda. As a result this communitytype would be rated as secondary or non-use range for elk and horses in the Ya Ha Tinda area.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.1HA/AUM or 0.35 AUM/AC

PLANT COMPOSITION CANOPYCOVER(%)MEAN RANGE CONST.

SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 1 - 100

FORBSGRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla gracilis) 8 - 100YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 3 - 100CHICKWEED(Cerastium arvense) 2 - 100ELEPHANT’S HEAD(Pedicularis groenlandica)2 - 100

GRASSESGRACEFUL SEDGE(Carex praegracilis) 39 - 100TUFTED HAIRGRASS(Deschampsia cespitosa) 12 - 100SEDGE SPP.(Carex spp.) 9 - 100HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 3 - 100


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBHYGRIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1640(1600-1700) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL

SLOPE:9(1-20)%

ASPECT:SOUTHWESTERLY


FORAGE PRODUCTION

GRASS 1208FORB 98TOTAL 1256

71

A10. Bog birch/Sedge-Rough fescue(Betula glandulosa/Carex spp.-Festuca scabrella)

n=1 This community type represents the invasion of bog birch onto the rough fescue grasslands. Thiscommunity type is found scattered throughout the grasslands in the Ya Ha Tinda on slightly moister sites. It alsoappears to be transitional to many of the forested stands in the area. This community type is very similar to the Bogbirch/Rough fescue community type described by Willoughby (2001) in the Upper Foothills subregion. They feltthat the lack of fire on this community type allowed bog birch cover to expand, reducing forage productivity forwildlife and domestic livestock. In one study, burning bog birch twice in 3 year intervals controlled birch growthand increased total forage production by over 40% compared to the unburned control (Bork 1990).

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.7 HA/AUM OR0.23 AUM/AC


SHRUBSBOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 30 - 100SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 7 - 100

FORBSYARROW (Achillea millefolium) 3 - 100SMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 2 - 100CUT LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 4 - 100HEART LEAVED ALEXANDERS (Zizia aptera) 4 - 100OLD MAN’S WHISKERS (Geum triflorum) 3 - 100AMERICAN VETCH (Vicia americana) 3 - 100

GRASSESSEDGE SPP. (Carex spp.) 12 - 100ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 2 - 100SHEEP FESCUE (Festuca sacimontana) 4 - 100JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 3 - 100


MOISTURE REGIME:MESIC


ELEVATION:1476 M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL



GRASS 592FORB 198SHRUB 12TOTAL 802

72

A11. Rough fescue-Fringed brome-Sedge(Festuca scabrella-Bromus ciliatus-Carex spp.)

n=5 This community type represents coarse textured fluvial areas and moister south and west facing slopes.The increased moisture on these spots favours the growth of fringed brome. On the drier south and west facingslopes these grasslands are dominated by rough fescue, sedge and junegrass. The forage production on thiscommunity type tends to be slightly higher than the Rough fescue-Sedge-Junegrass dominated community type. Making this community type one of the most important foraging areas for wildlife. The rough fescue grasslandsin the Ya Ha Tinda area are extensively utilized by elk and domestic horses. It is not clear how this heavy grazingpressure has affected the species composition of these grasslands. It is likely that rough fescue cover would increaseif the grazing pressure was reduced on these grasslands (Willoughby 1992).

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE

1.1 (1.7-0.8) HA/AUM or0.35 (0.23-0.5) AUM/AC


SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL. (Potentilla fruticosa) 2 0-2 80

FORBSEARLY YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis sericea) 7 1-27 100SMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 1 0-3 100OLD MAN’S WHISKERS (Geum triflorum) 10 0-20 80ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 3 0-9 80YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 3 0-8 60SHOWY LOCOWEED (Oxytropis splendens) 2 0-6 60CUT LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 2 0-3 60

GRASSESJUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 3 1-6 100FRINGED BROME (Bromus ciliatus) 10 2-17 100THREAD-LEAVED SEDGE (Carex filifolia) 9 1-10 100ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 8 4-11 100


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBXERIC-SUBMESIC


ELEVATION:1640(1600-1700) M


SLOPE:6(0-20)%




GRASS 802(560-1006)FORB 322(130-674)SHRUB 82(0-350)TOTAL 1207(804-1740)

73

A12. Rough fescue-Sedge-Junegrass(Festuca scabrella-Carex filifolia-Koeleria macrantha)

n=2 This community type is distinguished from the other rough fescue dominated community type by the lackof fringed brome and the increased cover of junegrass. This community type tends to occupy steeper, morainal andcolluvial slopes and and has a drier moisture regime than the previously described rough fescue community type.Morgantini and Russell (1983) found that the rough fescue dominated community types were the primary foragingareas for elk. As a result this community type should be rated as primary range. The rough fescue grasslands inthe Ya Ha Tinda area are extensively utilized by elk and domestic horses. It is not clear how this heavy grazingpressure has affected the species composition of these grasslands. It is likely rough fescue cover would increaseif the grazing pressure was reduced on these grasslands (Willoughby 1992).

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.5 (1.5-1.6) HA/AUM OR0.27 (0.25-0.27) AUM/AC


SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 3 1-4 100

FORBSEARLY YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis sericea) 10 7-12 100WOOLY EVERLASTING (Antennaria lanata) 1 2-3 100OLD MAN’S WHISKERS (Geum triflorum) 6 0-12 50FALSE DANDELION (Agoseris glauca) 1 0-2 100

GRASSESNORTHERN WHEATGRASS (Agropyron dasystachyum)3 2-3 100JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 7 3-10 100ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 13 7-18 100THREAD LEAF SEDGE (Carex filifoliaspp.) 5 5-5 100HAIRY WILDRYE (Elymus innovatus) 2 0-4 50



NUTRIENT REGIME:MESOTROPHIC-SUBMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1625 (1600-1650) M


SLOPE:23(10-35)%


PARENT MATERIAL:MORAINAL, COLLUVIAL

ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 24FORAGE PRODUCTION KG/HA


74

A13. Sedge-Junegrass(Carex filifolia-Koeleria macrantha)

n=2 This community type was described on the west side of the Ya Ha Tinda ranch. It is closer to the ranchbuildings and therefore is more extensively utilized by horses. It was described on coarse textured fluvial areas.The parent material and ecological conditions are similar to the Rough fescue-Fringed brome-Sedge dominatedcommunity type. It appears that the heavier grazing pressure on this community type causes rough fescue todecline and allows sedge and junegrass to increase. The forage production on this community type is about halfof the rough fescue dominated community types, indicating that some type of rest would benefit this grassland.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE2.6 (1.5-4.7) HA/AUM OR 0.16 (0.08-0.27) AUM/AC


SHRUBSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 8 5-9 100

FORBSEARLY YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis sericera) 2 0-3 100THREE FLOWERED AVENS (Geum trifolium) 2 1-2 100CUT LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 3 2-3 100SHOWY LOCOWEED (Oxytropis splendens) 3 0-6 100FRINGED SAGE (Artemisia frigida) 1 0-2 50WHITE CAMAS (Zigadenus elegans) 1 0-2 50

GRASSESSEDGE SPP. (Carex spp. ) 6 6-6 100KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 3 2-4 100JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 5 4-6 100SHEEP FESCUE (Festuc saximontana) 3 1-4 100

LICHEN 7 1-12 100




ELEVATION:1477(1474-1480) M


ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE:16-8


GRASS 451 (90-884)FORB 71(2-200)SHRUB 5(2-10)TOTAL 520(292-906)

75

A14. Creeping red fescue-Timothy(Festuca rubra-Phleum pratense)

n=2 This community type represents spruce cutblocks that were harvested and seeded to creeping red fescueand timothy. This seeding was done in order to increase the forage supply for wintering elk and alleviate thepressure on the rough fescue dominated grasslands around the Ya Ha Tinda ranch. This seeding has increased theforage supply of the area, but it has been found that elk do not perfer to graze these sites. The agronomic speciesseeded into these cutblocks have also been found to be invasive (Gerling et al. 1996). Further range improvementshould probably be done with a native seed mix.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.9 HA/AUM OR

0.45 AUM/AC


SHRUBSWILLOW SPP. (Salix spp.) 2 0-2 100

FORBSTALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 1 0-2 50FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium)2 0 50

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 2 0-3 50CREEPING RED FESCUE (Festuca rubra) 18 15-21 100HAIRY WILDRYE (Elymus innovatus) 10 8-11 100TIMOTHY (Phleum pratense) 8 7-9 100SEDGE SPP. (Carex spp.) 6 1-11 100




ELEVATION:1593( 1565-1620) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL TO IMPERFECTLY

SLOPE:40(35-45)%

ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: MODIFIED OR TAME


TOTAL 1500

76

MONTANE SUBREGIONBLAIRMORE AND MORLEY FOOTHILLS ECODISTRICTS

GRASSLAND COMMUNITY TYPES

Photo 4. Blairmore Foothills ecodistrict: This represents a Rough fescue-Sedge/Bearberrygrassland found on a wind-swept, steep, south-facing slope where the moisture regime issubmesic to subxeric. The harsh environmental conditions favour the growth of Limber pine.

Photo 5. Blairmore Foothills ecodistrict: This is a moderately-grazed Idaho fescue-Parryoatgrass-Rough fescue grassland. This community type is highly diverse as a result of light tomoderate grazing. Under long-term, heavy grazing, diversity would decline as Kentuckybluegrass and dandelion became the dominant species.

77

B1. Rough fescue-Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass(Festuca scabrella-Festuca idahoensis-Danthonia parryii)

n=106 This community appears to be the modal grassland community type on Black Chernozemic soils in thefoothills of southern Alberta from an elevation of 1300m up to 1900m on isolated sites. Willoughby (1992),described one Rough fescue-dominated site where the species composition had not changed in over 30 years,indicating this maybe the climax community type on river terraces and south facing slopes in the Montane. IndeedMoss and Campbell (1947), found that rough fescue grows almost to the exclusion of other plants in the absenceof disturbance. On rocky and gravelly slopes with shallow soils, rough fescue is replaced by Parry oatgrass andIdaho fescue. They also found Parry oatgrass and Idaho fescue increased and rough fescue declined with increasedgrazing pressure. Willoughby (1992), also described rough fescue and Idaho fescue dominated community typeswith little Parry oatgrass in the Castle area south of Blairmore. He also found that rose and shrubby cinquefoiltended to increase in cover at higher elevations in these grasslands. In this guide it was difficult and impracticalto distinguish these community types. Consequently, the Rough fescue, Rough fescue-Idaho fescue and Roughfescue-Parry oatgrass/Shrubby cinquefoil-Rose community types listed in Willoughby (1992) are grouped into thisone large community type.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.5 (0.5-0.65) HA/AUM OR

0.8 (0.8-0.64) AUM/AC

PLANT COMPOSITION CANOPY COVER(%)MEAN RANGE CONST


FORBSOLD MAN'S WHISKERS (Geum triflorum) 4 0-24 60YELLOW BEARDTONGUE (Penstemon confertus) 3 0-28 52CUT LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 2 0-13 67WOOLY GROMWELL (Lithosperma ruderale) T 0-6 28STICKY PURPLE GERANIUM (Geranium viscosissimum)2 0-15 49MOUNTAIN SHOOTING STAR (Dodecatheon conjugens)1 0-21 52

GRASSESROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 29 13-61 100IDAHO FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 8 0-48 92PARRY OATGRASS (Danthonia parryi) 10 0-27 81BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 4 0-24 47


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBXERIC-MESIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:MESOTROPHIC-PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1587(1370-2121) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL TO MODERATELY WELL

SLOPE :19(2-65)%


ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 24FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)


78

B2. Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue(Festuca idahoensis-Danthonia parryi-Festuca scabrella)

n=56 This community type is found upslope from the Rough fescue-Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescue communitytype (Figure 1) and can be dominated by Idaho fescue or Parry oatgrass. As one moves upslope to drier conditionsthere is a shift in species composition from rough fescue to Parry oatgrass and Idaho fescue. Under grazingpressure Parry oatgrass, Idaho fescue and rough fescue decline and upland sedge increases (Willoughby 1992).On drier sites within this community type juniper and bearberry cover can be extensive. Increased grazing pressureon the drier sites will lead to an increase in low growing forbs (little clubmoss, moss phlox) and sedges.



SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 2 0-14 54PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2 0-15 57

FORBSYARROW (Achillea millefolium) 2 0-11 94OLD MAN'S WHISKERS (Geum triflorum) 3 0-18 48SILKY PERENNIAL LUPINE (Lupinus sericeus) 3 0-14 64WOOLY GROMWELL (Lithosperma ruderale) 1 0-2 45CUT LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 3 0-11 79

GRASSESPARRY OATGRASS (Danthonia parryi) 18 0-51 84ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 10 0-30 96IDAHO FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 14 0-63 96BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 3 0-22 55JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 3 0-18 87


MOISTURE REGIME :SUBXERIC-MESIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:SUBMESOTROPHIC TO MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1558(1330-1848) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:RAPIDLY-WELL

SLOPE:20(0-45)%

ASPECT:SOUTHERLY


FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)GRASS 651(148-2026)FORB 353(10-838)SHRUB 55(0-248)TOTAL 1363(594-2446)

79

B3. Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge(Agropyron spicatum-Carex obtusata)

n=27 Bluebunch wheatgrass dominated sites are found on well-drained, south facing-slopes in the Montanesubregion throughout southern Alberta (Strong 1992). This dominant species is abundant in the interior of southernBritish Columbia, where it is codominant with big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) at lower elevations and roughfescue at higher elevations (Tisdale 1947). Increased grazing pressure on the drier sites leads to a decline inbluebunch wheatgrass and allows low growing forbs and sedge species to increase. On sites with big sagebrushin British Columbia bluebunch wheatgrass decreases and big sagebrush will increase with increased grazingpressure (Tisdale 1947). Forage production on this type can vary from 700 kg/ha on dry sites to over 2000 kg/haon moister sites.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE2 (0.75-3.5) HA/AUM OR0.2 (0.55-0.12) AUM/AC


SHRUBSSASKATOON (Amelanchier alnifolia) 8 0-31 92WESTERN SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpos occidentalis)8 0-41 63

FORBSYELLOW BEARDSTONGUE (Penstemon confertus) 1 0-24 44SILKY PERENNIAL LUPINE (Lupinus sericeus) 4 0-28 63COMMON STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 2 0-17 33BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)5 0-21 41FRINGED SAGE (Artemisia frigida) 3 0-12 48

GRASSESJUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 9 0-22 92SLENDER WHEATGRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum)1 0-17 37BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 3 0-21 26 BLUEBUNCH WHEATGRASS (Agropyron spicatum) 17 4-43 100ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 5 0-29 73


MOISTURE REGIME:XERIC-SUBMESIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:SUBMESOTROPHIC-MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1630(1394-1848) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:RAPIDLY TO VERY RAPIDLY

SLOPE:46(0-65)%



FORAGE PRODUCTION(KG\HA)GRASS 760(396-1178)FORB 457(0-1170)SHRUB 238(0-626)TOTAL 1456(612-2660)

80

B4. Rough fescue-Sedge/Bearberry(Festuca scabrella-Carex obtusata/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

n=49 This community appears to be characteristic of dry grass meadows on hilltops throughout the Montanesubregion. It is similar to the Rough fescue-Sedge community type described by Willoughby (1992) on hilltopsin the Porcupine Hills. The shallow poorly developed soils appear to favour rough fescue, slender wheatgrass andsedge over Parry oatgrass. This community is drier than the Rough fescue grasslands characteristic of lower slopepositions, but is moister than the bluebunch wheatgrass plant community that is associated with dry southerlyslopes. This community type can be invaded by aspen to form the Aspen/Saskatoon/Sedge, Pl/Bearberry-Juniperor Fd/Hairy wildrye community types. The transition community between the forest and grassland may resemblethe Pinegrass-Hairy wildrye or Saskatoon-Rose-Snowberr/Bearberry community types.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 1.5 (0.75-3.5 HA/AUM OR

0.27 (0.55-0.12) AUM/ac


SHRUBSPRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2 0-14 50CREEPING JUNIPER (Juniprus horizontalis) 2 0-24 22SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpos occidentalis)1 0-6 31SASKATOON (Amelanchier alnifolia) 3 0-16 69

FORBSBEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 33 0-77 97FRINGED SAGE (Artemisia frigida) 1 0-5 11MOSS PHLOX (Phlox hoodii) 1 0-8 13CUT LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 3 0-21 90STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 3 0-19 74

GRASSESROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 23 5-54 100SLENDER WHEATGRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum)3 0-34 39JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 2 0-14 80BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 4 0-21 43 IDAHO FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 4 0-18 76 PARRY OATGRASS (Danthonia parryi) 5 0-37 59


MOISTURE REGIME:XERIC-MESIC


ELEVATION:1669(1341-2134)M

SOIL DRAINAGE: RAPIDLY TO WELL

SLOPE:28(7-58)%



FORAGE PRODUCTION(KG/HA)


81

B5. Big sagebrush/Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge (Artemisia tridentata/Agropyron spicatum-Carex spp.)

n=4 This community type is rare in Alberta and is isolated on gravelly south facing slopes in the Montanesubregion south of Blairmore. This community type is similar to the Pacific Northwest Bunchgrass type describedby Tisdale (1982) in Washington and British Columbia. The big sagebrush, bluebunch wheatgrass community typesfound in these areas are located on Dark Brown and Dk Gray Chernozemic soils, with glacial till parent material(Green and van Ryswyk 1982). Tisdale (1982), found that there is little known about the environmental factorswhich determine the presence of sagebrush-grass versus true grassland. Therefore, it is not clear why these southfacing slopes are dominated by sagebrush and not a bluebunch wheatgrass community type. It is known thatincreased grazing pressure on a Big sagebrush/Bluebunch wheatgrass in British Columbia will allow big sagebrushto increase in cover, but heavy grazing pressure does not seem to be a factor in the formation of this community typein Alberta.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE2 (0.75-3.5) HA/AUM OR0.2 (0.55-0.12) AUM/AC


SHRUBSBIG SAGEBRUSH (Artemisia tridentata) 21 7-45 100

FORBSLITTLE CLUBMOSS (Selaginella densa) 5 0-15 75BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)22 0-58 75SMALL-LEAVED EVERLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 1 1-2 100NODDING ONION (Allium cernuum) 1 0-1 75STICKY ALUMROOT (Heuchera cylindrica) 1 0-4 25SILKY PERENNIAL LUPINE (Lupinus sericeus) 2 1-4 100

GRASSESNORTHERN WHEATGRASS (Agropyron dasystachyum )1 0-1 25BLUEBUNCH WHEATGRASS (Agropyron spicatum) 5 2-13 75 IDAHO FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 8 6-13 75JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 3 2-4 75BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 1 0-1 25



NUTRIENT REGIME :SUBMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1550(1470-1680) M

SOIL DRAINAGE :RAPIDLY TO WELL

SLOPE:39(35-40)%

ASPECT:SOUTH AND WEST


FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)GRASS 180FORB 250SHRUB 276TOTAL 706

82

B6. Saskatoon-Rose-Snowberry/Bearberry(Amelanchier alnifolia-Rosa acicularis-Symphoricarpos occidentalis/Arctostaphylos uva-

ursi)

n=32 This community type represents the ecotone between rough fescue dominated grasslands and Douglas firand lodgepole pine dominated forests on dry south facing slopes. The presence of shrubs (saskatoon, rose,snowberry) and the grass species (hairy wildrye, pinegrass) indicate the transition from rough fescue grasslands toa forested community type. This community type appears to occur at higher elevations (>1500m) and may reflectthe dominance of trees at the higher altitudes. Forage production declines rapidly moving from the grassland intothe forests. This community type has half the production (1100 kg/ha) of rough fescue dominated grasslands (2200kg/ha). The increase in tree canopy cover results in a further decline in forage production to approximately 600kg/ha.



TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 1 0-20 16ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 3 0-34 34SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 2 0-9 56SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)1 0-7 50SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 6 0-52 78PRAIRIE ROSE , PRICKLY ROSE(Rosa arkansana, R. acicularis)5 0-25 94FORBSBEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 23 3-78 100SILKY PERENNIAL LUPINE(Lupinus sericeus) 2 0-16 53CUT LEAVED ANEMONE(Anemone multifida) 2 0-10 75SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 2 0-17 50STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 4 0-6 66GRASSESROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 8 0-25 78JUNEGRASS(Koeleria macrantha) 4 0-9 84BLUNT SEDGE(Carex obtusata) 6 0-61 50HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 4 0-44 47

PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)5 0-29 53ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES

MOISTURE REGIME :XERIC-SUBMESIC


ELEVATION:1602(1375-1981) M

SOIL DRAINAGE :VERY RAPIDLY TO WELL

SLOPE (RANGE):26(1-72)%

ASPECT:SOUTHERLY



83

B6a. Snowberry-Rose-Saskatoon(Symphoricarpos occidentalis-Rosa acicularis-Amelanchier alnifolia)

n=27 This community type represents moist pockets of shrubland in gullies and depressional areas within roughfescue dominated grasslands. This community type is very similar to the previously described Saskatoon-Rose-Snowberry/Bearberry dominated community type, but this site is moister and lacks the cover of bearberry. Thesesites will eventually become invaded by aspen to form the Aw/Snowberry or Aw/Rose/Pinegrass dominatedcommunity types.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.8 (1-3.5) HA/AUM OR

0.23 (0.55-0.12) AUM/AC


SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 2 0-9 30SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)7 0-7 74SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 6 0-32 63PRAIRIE ROSE , PRICKLY ROSE(Rosa arkansana, R. acicularis)2 0-25 22FORBSBEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) T 0-1 7SILKY PERENNIAL LUPINE(Lupinus sericeus) 4 0-26 70CUT LEAVED ANEMONE(Anemone multifida) 1 0-8 63SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 1 0-8 44STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 3 0-22 52WILD BERGAMONT(Monarda fistulosa) 2 0-25 33GRASSESROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 4 0-15 70JUNEGRASS(Koeleria macrantha) 6 0-9 78BLUNT SEDGE(Carex obtusata) 6 0-61 19IDAHO FESCUE(Festuca idahoensis) 7 0-25 59




ELEVATION:1563(1375-1768) M

SOIL DRAINAGE :VERY RAPIDLY TO WELL


ASPECT:SOUTHERLY



84

B7. Pinegrass-Hairy wildrye/Strawberry (Calamagrostis rubescens-Elymus innovatus/Fragaria virginiana)

n=11 This community type represents the transition from grassland to forest on moist sites with northerlyaspects. It appears this community occurs in areas that have some seepage throughout the growing season. Thereis usually high forb cover on these sites with strawberry, showy aster, American vetch, peavine and silkyperennial lupine being common. Pinegrass and hairy wildrye are the common grass species in the understory ofconifer and deciduous stands and their dominance in this community type may indicate a transition to a forestedcommunity. The high moisture content of these sites allows for production of over 2000 kg/ha.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.75 (0.5-1) HA/AUM OR0.55 (0.8-0.4) AUM/AC


TREESASPEN (Populus tremuloides) T 0-1 9

SHRUBSDWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 1 0-5 18SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpos occidentalis)2 0-6 36PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2 0-5 46WHITE MEADOWSWEET (Spiraea betulifolia) 2 0-10 55

FORBSSTRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 13 1-32 100YELLOW PEAVINE (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 4 0-13 91SILKY PERENNIAL LUPINE (Lupinus sericeus) 5 0-20 55SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 5 0-20 73

GRASSESPINEGRASS (Calamagrostis rubescens)23 3-66 100HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 7 0-48 36NORTHERN AWNLESS BROME (Bromus pumpellianus) 1 0-3 9


MOISTURE REGIME :MESIC-SUBHYGRIC

NUTRIENT REGIME :MESOTROPHIC-PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1514(1364-1640) M


SLOPE:25(2-46)%

ASPECT:NORTHERLY, WEST, EAST


FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)GRASS 1487(1058-1916)FORB 1003(858-1148)TOTAL 2260(1800-3064)

85

B8.Douglas fir/Idaho fescue-Rough fescue(Pseudotsuga menziesii/Festuca idahoensis-Festuca scabrella)

n=5 This community type represents the transition from grassland to a Douglas fir dominated forest. Thefactors responsible for the differences between forest and grassland maybe climatic, with cooler and moisterconditions favouring forest, it could be edaphic with grasslands found on drier and shallower soils or lack ofdisturbance from fire which favours the growth of trees. Extensive overlap of the forests and grassland will occurin the Montane because of the variable soils and topography.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.71 (0.6-0.8) HA /AUM OR0.56 (0.65-0.5) AUM/AC


TREESDOUGLAS FIR (Pseudotsuga menziesii) 14 1-18 100LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 2 0-5 60SHRUBSSASKATOON (Amelanchier alnifolia) 4 0-10 80WHITE MEADOWSWEET (Spiraea betulifolia) 4 0-15 40

FORBSBEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 10 0-32 80NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1 1-2 100WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 4 1-5 100SILKY PERENNIAL LUPINE (Lupinus sericeus) 4 0-10 80BALSAMROOT (Balsamorhiza sagittata) 2 0-4 60

GRASSESIDAHO FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 26 1-60 100ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 26 13-60 100PINEGRASS (Calamagrostis rubescens)1 0-2 60




ELEVATION:1562 (1554-1710) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL

SLOPE:14(0-30)%

ASPECT:SOUTHWEST


FORAGE PRODUCTION(KG/HA)GRASS 565(320-810)FORB 238(180-296)SHRUB 1592(1568-1616)TOTAL 2395(2232-2558)

86

B9.Douglas fir/Idaho fescue-Sandberg bluegrass(Pseudotsuga menziesii/Festuca idahoensis-Poa sandbergii)

n=1 This community type is similar to the Douglas fir/Idaho fescue-Rough fescue community type andrepresents the transition from grassland to forest, but this type is drier and has shallower soils than the Douglasfir/Idaho fescue-Rough fescue community type. Little clubmoss, fringed sage, Sandberg bluegrass and junegrassare all well adapted to dry, rapidly drained sites. Johnston (1981), described a Sandberg bluegrass/Bluebunchwheatgrass type on dry sites with extremely shallow soils in Oregon and Tisdale (1982) described Sandbergbluegrass on dry sites with fine textured soils in British Columbia. It is also possible that increased grazingpressure may also account for the high cover of Sandberg bluegrass. Mueggler and Stewart (1980), found Sandbergbluegrass increased with grazing pressure on dry grasslands in Montana.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.8 (0.75-1) HA /AUM OR0.5 (0.55-0.4) AUM/AC


TREESDOUGLAS FIR (Pseudotsuga menziesii) 5 - 100

SHRUBSCREEPING JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 1 - 100WHITE MEADOWSWEET (Spiraea betulifolia) 2 - 100

FORBSLITTLE CLUBMOSS (Selaginella densa) 5 - 100DANDELION (Taraxacum offincinale) 3 - 100CUT LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 2 - 100BALSAMROOT (Balsamorhiza sagitata) 2 - 100

GRASSESIDAHO FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 30 - 100SANDBERG BLUEGRASS (Poa sandbergii) 30 - 100JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 10 - 100BLUEBUNCH WHEATGRASS (Agropyron spicatum) 5 - 100




ELEVATION:1493 M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL

SLOPE:33%

ASPECT:SOUTHWEST


FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)


87

B10. Aw/Strawberry/Rough fescue(Populus tremuloides/Fragaria virginiana/Festuca scabrella)

n=2 This community type represents the transition from a rough fescue dominated grassland to an aspen dominatedforest. Aspen has invaded onto the grassland and the species composition of the understory is slowly succeeding tospecies characteristic of aspen stands such as strawberry and slender wheatgrass.

This community type is much moister than the Douglas fir transition forests previously described. Aspen favorsthe moist draws and north-facing slopes throughout the foothills of southern Alberta. As one moves west into themountains and the Subalpine subregion, aspen tends to grow very poorly, and the aspen stands are characterized bystunted, twisted trees that have low vigour. Forage production on the grasslands declines rapidly when aspen invades;from a high of 2000 kg/ha to a low of 1000 kg/ha.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.5 (1.2-3) HA /AUM OR

0.27 (0.35-0.12) AUM/AC


TREESASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 4 1-5 100

FORBSSTRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 11 5-17 100YELLOW PENSTEMON (Penstemon confertus) 4 2-5 100STICKY PURPLE GERANIUM (Geranium viscosissimum)6 5-6 100GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 4 1-6 100CANADA THISTLE (Cirsium arvense) 3 0-6 50

GRASSESROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 27 24-29 100SLENDER WHEATGRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum)5 4-5 100SEDGE SPP. (Carex spp.) 2 1-4 100PINEGRASS (Calamagrostis rubescens)6 0-11 50


MOISTURE REGIME:MESIC-SUBHYGRIC


ELEVATION:1524(1463-1585) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:MODERATELY WELL

SLOPE:11(10-12)

ASPECT:SOUTH AND EAST


FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA) GRASS 1170FORB 1206TOTAL 2376

88

B11. Thimbleberry(Rubus parviflorus)

n=3 This community type is characteristic of nutrient-rich seepage areas throughout the Montane. This communityis very similar to the Aw-Pb/Thimbleberry and Lodgepole pine/Thimbleberry community types described later in theguide, but it is not as successional advanced.

Forage production of this community type is very high because of the high moisture and nutrient content of thesoil, but the thick cover of thimbleberry which is generally unpalatable to livestock at proper stocking levels limits access.As a result this community type should be rated as non-use range.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE2.5 (1.2-4.4) HA /AUM OR0.18 (0.35-0.08) AUM/AC


SHRUBSTHIMBLEBERRY (Rubus parviflorus) 58 52-63 100

FORBSSTRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 10 2-14 100LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 6 1-9 100SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 7 4-10 100FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium)4 3-4 100BANEBERRY (Actaea rubra) 3 0-10 33

GRASSESPINEGRASS (Calamagrostis rubescens)9 0-26 33FOWL BLUEGRASS (Poa palustris) 1 1-2 100FRINGED BROME (Bromus ciliatus) 1 0-1 33




ELEVATION:1640(1500-1860) M


SLOPE:35(10-50)%

ASPECT:VARIABLE




89

B12. Beaked-Water sedge (Carex rostrata, C. aquatilis)

n=8 This community type is found in all subregions of Alberta. Wet conditions and periodic flooding result in theformation of sedge meadows. Bog birch and willow will invade into the drier edges of these meadows to form theWillow/Sedge and Bog birch /Sedge community types.

These community types are quite productive producing nearly 2000 kg/ha of forage, but the high water tablein the spring and summer when these meadows are most palatable limits livestock use. A study in the Yukon found thatcrude protein on these meadows declined from a high of 10% in May to less than 5% in September (Bailey et al. 1992).As a result, these meadows would be rated as secondary or non-use range.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.4 (0.3-0.5) HA /AUM OR

1 (1.3-0.8) AUM/AC


SHRUBSWILLOW SPP. (Salix spp.) 1 0-2 63

FORBSPURPLE AVENS (Geum rivale) 2 0-16 13SMOOTH ASTER (Aster laevis) 1 0-8 13SWAMP HORSETAIL (Equisetum fluviatile) 1 0-11 13FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium)1 0-3 25

GRASSESBEAKED SEDGE (Carex rostrata) 53 0-97 88WATER SEDGE(Carex aquatilis) 19 0-70 50BALITIC RUSH (Juncus baliticus) 4 0-21 25MARSH REEDGRASS (Calamagrostis canadensis)3 0-17 50


MOISTURE REGIME:HYGRIC-SUBHYDRIC


ELEVATION:1447( 1400-1500) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:IMPERFECTLY, POORLY

SLOPE:1%

ASPECT:NORTHERLY


FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)GRASS 2298FORB 608TOTAL 2906

90

B12a. Awned sedge (Carex atherodes)

n=3 This community type is found in all subregions of Alberta. Wet conditions and periodic flooding result in theformation of sedge meadows. Bog birch and willow will invade into the drier edges of these meadows to form theWillow/Sedge and Bog birch /Sedge dominated community types. Thompson and Hansen (2002) described thiscommunity on the eastern edges of the Montane subregion. They found this community in lentic situations arounddepressional wetlands, sloughs, potholes on sites that were generally more alkaline than the Beaked and Water Sedgedominated meadows. Willoughby (2001) has found this sedge species to be very palatable to livestock in the UpperFoothills subregion. If the sites dry out they can be extensively utilized by livestock.

These community types are quite productive producing nearly 2000 kg/ha of forage, but the high water tablein the spring and summer when these meadows are most palatable limits livestock use. A study in the Yukon found thatcrude protein on these meadows declined from a high of 10% in May to less than 5% in September (Bailey et al. 1992).


1 (1.3-0.8) AUM/AC


FORBSMINT (Mentha arvensis) 1 0-1 33DOCK (Rumex occidentalis) 1 0-1 33

GRASSESBEAKED SEDGE (Carex rostrata) 15 1-40 100WATER SEDGE(Carex aquatilis) 1 0-1 33AWNED SEDGE (Carex atherodes) 85 60-97 100


MOISTURE REGIME:HYGRIC-SUBHYDRIC


ELEVATION:1267(1221-1363) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:IMPERFECTLY, POORLY

SLOPE:1%

ASPECT:VARIABLE



91

B13. Tufted hairgrass-Baltic rush(Deschampsia cespitosa-Juncus baliticus

n=2 This community type is very similar to the tufted hairgrass-dominated communities described in the Upperfoothills and Subalpine subregions of northern Alberta (Willoughby 2001) and may indicate the transition from theMontane to the Subalpine subregion in southern Alberta. This community is located on moist sites that are better drainedand slightly drier than the pure sedge meadows. When this community is protected from grazing and fire for 25-40 yearswillow and bog birch expand and tufted hairgrass and sedge decline. The decline in graminoid cover causes a declinein available forage production.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1 (0.8-1.5) HA /AUM OR0.4 (0.5-0.27) AUM/AC

PLANT COMPOSITION CANOPYCOVER(%)

MEAN RANGE CONST.SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 19 0-19 50

FORBSOLD MAN'S WHISKERS (Geum triflorum) 11 0-21 50SMOOTH-LEAVED CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla diversifolia) 10 0-19 50YELLOW BEARDSTONGUE (Penstemon confertus) 2 0-3 50

GRASSESTUFTED HAIRGRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 52 24-80 100CREEPING WIRE RUSH (Eleocharis palustris) 10 0-20 50BALTIC RUSH (Juncus baliticus) 15 3-26 100THREE SQUARE RUSH(Scirpus pungens) 10 0-20 50




ELEVATION:1497(1485-1509) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:POORLY




92

B13a. Baltic rush(Juncus balticus)

n=2 This community type is a grazing disclimax of the tufted hairgrass or sedge dominated communities(Thompson and Hansen 2002). Baltic rush is generally unpalatable to livestock and will increase with an increasein grazing pressure. The presence of this community type would indicate livestock distribution problems on thedisposition and some type of rest rotational grazing system is needed to allow this community type to recover.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATEGENERALLY NON-USE

0.8 HA/AUM OR0.5 AUM/AC


FORBSWATER SMARTWEED (Polygonum amphibium) 2 0-3 50GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla gracilis) 2 0-3 50SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 2 0-3 50

GRASSESTUFTED HAIRGRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 2 0-3 50MARSH REEDGRASS (Calamagrostis canadensis)1 1-2 100BALTIC RUSH (Juncus baliticus) 63 28-98 100KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 2 0-3 50


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBHYGRIC-HYGRIC


ELEVATION:1341(1221-1460) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:POORLY-IMPERFECTLY

ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 8-16


TOTAL 1250*ESTIMATE

93

B14. Forb meadows(Aster ciliolatus, Monarda fistulosa,Smilacina stellata)

n=2 This community type represents small isolated forest openings that are dominated by forbs. The sites tend tobe moist , moderately well drained and probably have some nutrient seepage at some time in the year. These meadowscan be dominated by Lindley's aster, wild bergamont, or star flowered solomon’s seal. The grass layer is generally poorlydeveloped which makes this community type hard to group with any of the grassland community types.

The forage production of this community type is generally quite high because of the higher moisture and nutrientcontent of the soil, but the areas are so small and isolated they contribute little to the overall carrying capacity of adisposition.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.7 (0.6-0.7) HA /AUM OR 0.55 (0.65-0.4) AUM/AC


FORBSSTRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 5 1-8 100STAR FLOWERED SOLOMON'S SEAL (Smilacina stellata) 6 0-12 50WILD BERGAMONT (Monarda fistulosa) 15 0-30 50LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 15 0-29 50YELLOW PEAVINE (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3 0-6 50YELLOW COLUMBINE (Aquilegia flavescens) 4 0-8 50

GRASSESROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 5 0-10 50IDAHO FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 6 5-6 100PARRY OATGRASS (Danthonia parryi) 5 0-9 50SLENDER WHEATGRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum)3 0-5 50




ELEVATION:1565(1450-1680)M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL

SLOPE:22(2-40)%



94

B15. Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye(Festuca scabrella-Elymus innovatus)

n=2 This community type was described on the east slopes of the Livingstone range and appears to represent atransitional community from the lower Montane subregion to the higher Subalpine region. Indeed Willoughby(1999)described a Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye community type in the southern subalpine. They felt that as one moved upslopethere would be a shift in codominance of sedge to hairy wildrye and an increase in cover of bearberry and juniper. Cornsand Achuff (1982), described hairy wildrye dominated community types on south facing slopes in the more northernecodistricts of the subalpine. They felt these grasslands occurred on areas with frequent snow avalanching. It is possiblethat this community type is associated with deeper snow accumulation than the other rough fescue dominated types.


0.8 (0.8-0.64) AUM/AC


SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 7 0-13 50PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2 1-2 100

FORBSSTRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 5 2-7 100OLD MAN’S WHISKERS (Geum triflorum) 6 0-11 50YELLOW HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum sulphurescens)4 0-8 50MOUNTAIN SHOOTING STAR (Dodecatheon conjugens)2 0-4 50STICKY PURPLE GERANIUM (Geranium viscosissimum)6 0-11 50FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium)5 0-9 50

GRASSESROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 19 18-20 100IDAHO FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 4 1-6 100PARRY OATGRASS (Danthonia parryi) 4 0-7 50HAIRY WILDRYE (Elymus innovatus) 15 14-15 100




ELEVATION:1643(1606-1680) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL

SLOPE:5(0-10)%

ASPECT:EAST, LEVEL




95

B16. Big sagebrush-Buckthorn/Kentucky bluegrass(Artemisia tridentata-Rhamnus alnifolia/Poa pratensis )

n=2 This community type was described on the valley bottoms and meadows adjacent to the South Castle river. Buckthorn tends to grow in the moist areas of the meadows which have fine textured soils. In contrast big sagebrushis found on the drier, gravelly soils of old creek beds. These meadows have been extensively utilized by livestock andrecreationists which has allowed Kentucky bluegrass, timothy and dandelion to become established in the understoryof these shrub species. It is difficult to determine what the understory vegetation was prior to disturbance. It is felt thatthis site was probably dominated by rough fescue, but the presence of dark scaled sedge and graceful sedge appear toindicate a higher moisture regime than rough fescue-dominated communities. The establishment of an exclosure toprotect the site from disturbance may help to answer this question.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.8 (0.6-1) HA/AUM OR 0.5 (0.66-0.4) AUM/AC


SHRUBSBIG SAGEBRUSH (Artemisia tridentata) 19 17-21 100SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpos occidentalis)17 16-18 100BUCKTHORN (Rhamnus alnifolia) 7 5-8 100

FORBSSTRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 6 5-7 100YELLOW BEARDSTONGUE (Penstemon confertus) 29 28-30 100YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 8 7-9 100STAR FLW’D SOLOMON’S SEAL (Smilacina stellata) 3 2-3 100DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 3 3 100HEART LV’D ALEXANDER (Zizia aptera) 1 0-1 50

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 25 14-36 100TIMOTHY (Phleum pratense) 9 9 100DARK SCALED SEDGE (Carex atrosquama) 1 0-1 50GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 1 0-1 50




ELEVATION:1440 M


SLOPE:1%

ASPECT:WEST



96

B17. Creeping spike rush(Eleocharis palustris)

n=1 Thompson and Hansen (2002) described this type on somewhat alkaline sites in narrow bands alongstreams, rivers, lake margins and reservoirs. These sites are subject to yearly flooding. Typically these sites arealmost pure stands of creeping spike rush. Creeping spike rush is generally unpalatable to livestock and the wetconditions limit livestock use. This community type should be rated as non-use.




GRASSESCREEPING SPIKE RUSH (Eleocharis palustris) 98 - 100


MOISTURE REGIME:HYDRIC


ELEVATION:1375 M

SOIL DRAINAGE:IMPERFECTLY



TOTAL 1200*ESTIMATE

97

B18. Small fruited bulrush(Scripus microcarpus)

n=1 This community type is associated with wet areas along the edges of perennial streams, marshes and ponds.It has similar site conditions to the beaked and water sedge dominated meadows, where drainage is better than theGreat bulrush and cattail dominated community types. The wet conditions and generally poor palatability of smallfruited bulrush limits it use. This community should be rated as non-use.




FORBSCURLED DOCK (Rumex crispus) 3 - 100

GRASSESTUFTED HAIRGRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 3 - 100BEAKED SEDGE (Carex rostrata) 3 - 100SMALL FRUITED BULRUSH (Scirpus microcarpos) 98 - 100


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBHYDRIC


ELEVATION:1410 M

SOIL DRAINAGE:IMPERFECTLY



TOTAL 1500*ESTIMATE

98

B19. Great bulrush(Scirpus acutus)

n=2 This community type occurs along the margins of ponds and lakes (Thompson and Hansen 2002). Greatbulrush tends to be found growing in the water. Often the water is up to 2 m deep. This community type is muchwetter than the previously described small fruited bulrush community. The wet conditions and unpalatability ofgreat bulrush limits the use of this community type. This community should be rated as non-use.




FORBSWATER SMARTWEED (Equisetum fluviatile) 40 0-80 50

GRASSESBEAKED SEDGE (Carex rostrata) 1 0-1 50GREAT BULRUSH (Scirpus acutus) 74 50-97 100




ELEVATION:1291(1219-1363)M

SOIL DRAINAGE:VERY POORLY



TOTAL 2200*ESTIMATE

99

B20. Cattail(Typha latifolia)

n=2 This community type is associated with standing water. Thompson and Hansen (2002) have found thatthe saturated or inundated conditions tend to limit species diversity. The wet conditions limit use by domesticlivestock and this community type should be rated as non-use.




FORBSSWAMP HORSETAIL (Equisetum fluviatile) 2 0-3 50CATTAIL (Typha latifolia) 94 90-97 100

GRASSES

BEAKED SEDGE (Carex rostrata) 5 0-10 50GREAT BULRUSH (Scirpus acutus) 1 0-1 50




ELEVATION:1291(1219-1363) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:VERY POORLY



TOTAL 2500*ESTIMATE

100

A7. Bearberry/Juniper(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/Juniperus spp.)

n=25 This community type represents the forest-grassland ecotone on dry, rocky, windswept, south facing slopesthroughout the Banff and Jasper river valleys and higher elevation sites in the Blairmore and Morley Foothills of theMontane. Indeed many of the stands described in this community type were placed into douglas fir and spruce foresttypes described by Corns and Achuff (1982). Lane et al. (2000), described a similar community type Low northernsedge/Bearberry on rocky hilltops in the Lower Foothills subregion near Hinton.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.8 HA/AUM (0.2 AUM/AC)


TREESWHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4 0-25 50LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 2 0-11 44

SHRUBSJUNIPER (Juniperus communis, J. horizontalis) 9 3-35 100 BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 4 0-40 52SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 5 0-35 88

FORBSBEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)25 4-60 100WHITE CAMAS (Zigadenus elegans) 2 0-20 28SMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 1 0-10 12

GRASSESRUSH LIKE SEDGE (Carex scirpoidea) 2 0-20 16HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3 0-15 76JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 2 0-3 44


MOISTURE REGIME:XERIC TO SUBXERIC


ELEVATION:1330(1000-1660) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL TO RAPIDLY

SLOPE:28(0-68)%




TOTAL 500* *ESTIMATE

101

MONTANE SUBREGION

BLAIRMORE AND MORLEY FOOTHILLS ECODISTRICTS

DISTURBED GRASSLAND COMMUNITY TYPES

Photo 6: The dominance of Kentucky bluegrass, dandelion and clover indicate that this is anovergrazed grassland. Once Kentucky bluegrass has established dominance, the site will notreturn to the original vegetation composition when protected from grazing. Instead it will moveto another community type, dominated by Kentucky bluegrass and native species such as roughfescue.

102

C1. Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge(Festuca idahoensis-Danthonia parryi-Carex obtusata)

n=32 This community type represents a Rough fescue-Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass plant community that hasbeen moderately to heavily grazed for a number of years. The species composition of this community is verysimilar to the Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue community types , but this community type occupies lowerslope positions, whereas the latter community occupies mid to upper slope positions.

Increased grazing pressure causes rough fescue to decline and allows Idaho fescue, Parry oatgrass andsedge species to increase. Continued heavy grazing pressure will eventually lead to a decline in all native speciesand Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion will dominate the site. If grazing pressure on this community type is reducedor is eliminated the type will likely succeed back to a rough fescue dominated grassland. However, if the presentgrazing pressure continues Kentucky bluegrass will likely dominate the site. Recovery of this grassland back toa rough fescue dominated community type will likely take 20-30 years (Willoughby 1996).


0.57 (0.65-0.5) AUM/AC



FORBSTHREE FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 5 0-19 53COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 3 0-9 93DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 1 0-13 59GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 1 0-9 63NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 3 0-9 84

GRASSESROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 5 0-14 88IDAHO FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 16 1-77 100PARRY OATGRASS (Danthonia parryi) 10 0-63 67BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 2 0-49 47KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 6 0-24 75

ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLE


NUTRIENT REGIME MESOTROPHIC TO PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1489 (1330-1920) M


SLOPE:13(2-36)%





103

C1a. Sedge-Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescue(Carex obtusata-Danthonia parryii-Festuca idahoensis)

n=38 This community type represents a Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue plant community that has beenmoderately to heavily grazed for a number of years.

Increased grazing pressure causes rough fescue to decline and allows Idaho fescue, Parry oatgrass and sedgespecies to increase. Continued heavy grazing pressure will eventually lead to a decline in sedge, Parry oatgrass andIdaho fescue and there will be an increase in cover of little clubmoss and moss phlox. If grazing pressure on thiscommunity type is reduced or is eliminated the type will likely succeed back to a Idaho fescue, Parry oatgrassdominated grassland. Recovery of this grassland back to a Parry oatgrass or Idaho fescue dominated community typewill likely take 20-30 years (Willoughby 1996).

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 1 (0.8-2) HA/AUM OR

0.4 (0.5-0.2) AUM/AC


SHRUBSPRAIRIE ROSE (Rosa arkansana) 1 0-1 75

FORBSSMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 3 0-4 95COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 1 0-2 50DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 1 0-1 38FRINGED SAGE (Artemisia frigida) 2 0-3 88LITTLE CLUBMOSS (Selaginella densa) 2 0-7 50

GRASSESROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 9 1-41 100IDAHO FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 1 0-1 50PARRY OATGRASS (Danthonia parryi) 17 8-25 100BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 19 8-29 100JUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 3 0-9 63

ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLE

MOISTURE REGIME:SUBMESIC-SUBXERIC

NUTRIENT REGIME SUBMESOTROPHIC-MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1610 M


SLOPE:16 %





104

C2. Canada bluegrass-Rough fescue-Slender wheatgrass(Poa compressa-Festuca scabrella-Agropyron trachycaulum)

n=14 This community type was described on mesic, lower slope positions with shallow, nutrient poor soils. Thepresence of blunt sedge, junegrass and plains reedgrass are all indicative of dry, nutrient poor sites. The dominance ofCanada bluegrass an introduced, occasional species that is adapted to grow on waste ground also appears to indicate thatthis community type is typical of nutrient poor soils. This community type appears to have also been moderately grazed.Increased grazing pressure causes rough fescue to decline and allows Canada bluegrass and dandelion to increase.


0.8 (0.8-0.47) AUM/AC


SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 3 0-20 57

FORBSOLD MAN'S WHISKERS(Geum triflorum) 3 0-7 79COMMON YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 7 1-15 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 8 0-24 86GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla gracilis) 3 0-13 79NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreale) 4 0-12 92

GRASSESROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 7 0-26 79IDAHO FESCUE(Festuca idahoensis) 8 0-44 71PARRY OATGRASS(Danthonia parryi) 3 0-13 36BLUNT SEDGE(Carex obtusata) 6 0-19 62CANADA BLUEGRASS(Poa compressa) 20 0-51 79


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBMESIC-SUBHYGRIC

NUTRIENT REGIME MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1476( 1320-1631) M


SLOPE:14(0-30)%

ASPECT:SOUTHERLY




105

C3. Kentucky bluegrass-Rough fescue(Poa pratensis-Festuca scabrella)

n=70 Long-term heavy grazing pressure leads to decline in rough fescue and an increase in Parry oatgrass andsedge species. Continued grazing pressure reduces the competitive advantage of rough fescue and the other nativegrass species and allows Kentucky bluegrass to establish on the site. Continued heavy grazing pressure eventuallyleads to a decline in all native species and the plant community will resemble a Timothy-Kentucky bluegrass/Dandelion type.

The shallow, nutrient poor soils of the Canada bluegrass dominated community type do not appear tofavour the growth of Kentucky bluegrass under similar grazing conditions and may explain the lack of Kentuckybluegrass in the Canada bluegrass-Rough fescue-Slender wheatgrass community type..

The forage productivity of this community type (2600 kg/ha) is equivalent to or better than a lightly grazedRough fescue-Parry oatgrass community (2015 kg/ha). However, rough fescue is a much more desirable foragespecies because it maintains its nutrient content into the dormant season. In contrast, Kentucky bluegrass loses itspalatability, and nutrient content if it is allowed to flower and set seed.


0.8 (0.8-0.47) AUM/AC



FORBSYARROW(Achillea millefolium) 5 0-41 93OLD MAN'S WHISKERS(Geum triflorum) 5 0-41 61DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 5 0-42 81GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla gracilis) 2 0-13 63

GRASSESPARRY OATGRASS(Danthonia parryi) 3 0-21 60ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 7 0-30 77IDAHO FESCUE(Festuca idahoensis) 6 0-39 78BLUNT SEDGE(Carex obtusata) 3 0-18 44KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 27 0-80 96TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 6 0-31 63


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBMESIC TO MESIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:MESOTROPHIC TO PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1487(1300-1768) M


SLOPE:16(5-55)%

ASPECT:SOUTHERLY




106

C4. Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion(Poa pratensis-Phleum pratense/Taraxacum officinale)

n=80 This community type appears to once have represented a Rough fescue-Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescuecommunity type on Black Chernozmic soils. Conitunued heavy grazing at the beginning of the century has shiftedthe community to one dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, timothy and dandelion.

The climax range condition model suggests that vegetation development will be directional, predictableand revert to the original vegetation when protected from grazing, but once Kentucky bluegrass has established,bluegrass appears to compete with rough fescue for codominance. When protected from grazing these Kentuckybluegrass dominated types move toward a different community type rather than back to the original vegetation.These sites closely follow the "State transition model" proposed by Westoby et al. (1989).

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 0.52 (0.5-0.85) HA/AUM OR

0.8 (0.8-0.47) AUM/AC


SHRUBSSNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)1 0-18 10

FORBSGRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla gracilis) 3 0-45 65DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 11 0-51 91COMMON YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 6 0-45 94MOUSE EARED CHICKWEED(Cerastium arvense) 1 0-22 53STICKY PURPLE GERANIUM(Geranium viscosissimum)2 0-15 49

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 33 0-92 98TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 24 0-90 93ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 1 0-12 25IDAHO FESCUE(Festuca idahoensis) 1 0-23 25SLENDER WHEATGRASS(Agropyron trachycaulum)1 0-17 44


MOISTURE REGIME:MESIC-SUBMESIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:PERMESOTROPHIC-MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1484(1350-1682) M


SLOPE:8(0-36)%


ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 0 OR MODIFIED



107

C5. Smooth brome-Kentucky bluegrass(Bromus inermis-Poa pratensis)

n=14 These sites probably were once rough fescue dominated. Cultivation and extreme grazing pressure haveled to a decline in all native species. If these sites had been left undisturbed they would probably resemble aRough fescue-Parry oatgrass-Idaho fescue community type.


0.8 (0.8-0.47) AUM/AC


FORBSCANADA THISTLE(Cirsium arvense) 3 0-14 57COMMON YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 2 0-5 79STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 3 0-23 36

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 36 0-87 86SMOOTH BROME(Bromus inermis) 40 2-78 100SLENDER WHEATGRASS(Agropyron trachycaulum)1 0-9 50TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 4 0-23 71



NUTRIENT REGIME:SUBMESOTROPHIC-PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1445(1300-1768) M

SOIL DRAINAGE :WELL

SLOPE:8(0-60)%


ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 0 OR MODIFIED



108

C6. Sedge/Little clubmoss-Moss phlox (Carex obtusata/Selaginella densa-Phlox hoodii)

n=5 On dry, gravelly sites within the Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue and Bluebunch wheatgrass dominatedcommunity types increased grazing pressure causes Parry oatgrass, rough fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass todecline and allows low growing sedge and forb species to increase to form this community type. Indeed one ofthe sites (Stoddo) represents the outside transect of a rangeland reference area (Willoughby 1992). The insidetransect which has been protected from grazing pressure belongs to the Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass-Rough fescuecommunity type.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.5 (0.8-2) HA/AUM OR0.27 (0.5-0.2) AUM/AC



FORBSLITTLE CLUBMOSS(Selaginella densa) 24 0-42 80SMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING(Antennaria parviflora) 3 0-12 60NODDING ONION(Allium cernuum) 1 0-1 40MOSS PHLOX(Phlox hoodii) 13 5-20 100FRINGED SAGE(Artemisia frigida) 3 1-4 100

GRASSESBLUNT SEDGE(Carex obtusata ) 12 7-20 100JUNEGRASS(Koeleria macrantha) 7 2-13 100ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 4 1-5 100PARRY OATGRASS(Danthonia parryi) 11 0-17 80NORTHERN WHEATGRASS(Agropyron dasystachyum)4 0-14 40



NUTRIENT REGIME:SUBMESOTROPHIC TO MESIC

ELEVATION(RANGE):1631 (1424-1787) M



ASPECT:SOUTHWEST



109

C6a. Little clubmoss/Sedge (Selaginella densa/Sedge)

n=8 On dry, gravelly sites within the Parry oatgrass-Rough fescue and Bluebunch wheatgrass dominatedcommunity types increased grazing pressure causes Parry oatgrass, rough fescue and bluebunch wheatgrass todecline and allows low growing sedge and forb species to increase to form this community type. This communitytype generally forms when the previously described community (Sedge/Little clubmoss-Moss phlox)communityis continuously grazed. There is very little grass or forb cover found within this community type. If protected fromgrazing this community will eventually recover to form a Parry oatgrass or Idaho fescue dominated communitytype.



SHRUBSPRAIRIE ROSE(Rosa arkansana) 1 0-1 83

FORBSLITTLE CLUBMOSS(Selaginella densa) 37 20-57 100SMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING(Antennaria parviflora) 1 0-5 63GOLDEN ASTER(Heterotheca villosa) 3 0-10 38MOSS PHLOX(Phlox hoodii) 1 0-1 25FRINGED SAGE(Artemisia frigida) 2 0-5 50

GRASSESBLUNT SEDGE(Carex obtusata ) 9 0-32 88JUNEGRASS(Koeleria macrantha) 1 0-3 75ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 1 0-4 75PARRY OATGRASS(Danthonia parryi) 4 0-10 50IDAHO FESCUE(Festuca idahoensis) 4 0-18 75


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBMESIC-SUBXERIC


ELEVATION(RANGE):1490(1370-1610) M



ASPECT:SOUTHWEST



TOTAL 700 *ESTIMATE

110

C7. Creeping red fescue/Dandelion-Clover(Festuca rubra/Taraxacum offincinale-Trifolium repens)

n=10 This community is an example of a rough fescue grassland which has been modified during reclamationof a natural gas pipeline and power transmission lines. Seed from the reclamation has influenced the plantassociation such that creeping red fescue and Kentucky bluegrass now dominate the site. Previously tame specieslike creeping red fescue were used in reclamation with little thought given to compatibility with surrounding nativevegetation. It is now recognized that native species that promote the recovery of the original community structureand function should be used in reclamation (Gerling et al. 1996).


0.8 (0.8-0.47) AUM/AC


FORBSDANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 4 0-18 90WHITE DUTCH CLOVER(Trifolium repens) 9 0-49 50SWEET CLOVER(Melilotus alba) 1 0-11 10ALFALFA(Medicago sativa) 3 0-26 10COMMON YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 1 0-5 70STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 30 15 70

GRASSESTIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 7 1-19 100CREEPING RED FESCUE(Festuca rubra) 52 22-83 100BLUNT SEDGE(Carex obtusata) 1 0-7 10KENTUCKY BLUE GRASS(Poa pratensis) 8 0-27 90


MOISTURE REGIME:SUBMESIC TO SUBHYGRIC


ELEVATION(RANGE):1503(1380-1615)M

SOIL DRAINAGE: RAPIDLY TO MODERATELY WELL


ASPECT:SOUTH

ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: MODIFIED

FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)GRASS 1833(968-2600)FORB 601(54-1044)TOTAL 2434(2012-2654)

111

C8. Northern wheatgrass-Kentucky bluegrass (Agropyron dasystachyum-Poa pratensis)

n=1 This community type is found on a dry, moderately to heavily grazed, south-facing slopes with shallowsoils above the Oldman river in the Outer Gap range allotment. The moisture regime is not high enough to allowcomplete invasion of Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion . In the absence of disturbance the community type wouldprobably resemble moister sites within the Bluebunch wheatgrass-Sedge community type.

The Outer Gap allotment is subject to extremely high, dessicating winds. As a result, the climate is verysimilar to the grasslands described in Rocky Foothills and Rocky Mountain ecodistricts. Indeed many of thespecies characteristic of the grasslands described in these ecodistricts (junegrass, northern wheatgrass, blunt sedge,small leaved everlasting) are found in this community type.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE3 (2-4.3) HA/AUM OR

0.14 (0.2-0.1) AUM/AC


SHRUBSSNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)12 - 100PRAIRIE ROSE(Rosa arkansana) 7 - 100

FORBSDANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 14 - 100AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 13 - 100SMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING(Antennaria parviflora) 10 - 100SHOWY LOCOWEED(Oxytropis splendens) 8 - 100LOW GOLDENROD(Solidago missouriensis) 6 - 100

GRASSESNORTHERN WHEATGRASS(Agropyron dasystachyum)35 - 100KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 16 - 100BLUNT SEDGE(Carex obtusata) 10 - 100CANBY BLUEGRASS(Poa canbyi) 5 - 100




ELEVATION:1545 M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL

SLOPE:15%

ASPECT:SOUTHERLY

ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 8-16FORAGE PRODUCTION KG/HA


112

C9. Rough fescue-Kentucky bluegrass(Festuca scabrella-Poa pratensis)

n=28 This community type represents grasslands that have been grazed heavily to the point of Kentuckybluegrass invasion and are now recovering, or ungrazed exclosures that have been invaded by Kentucky bluegrass.Long-term heavy grazing pressure leads to a decline in rough fescue and an increase in Parry oatgrass and sedgespecies. Continued grazing pressure reduces the competitive advantage of rough fescue and the other native grassspecies and allows Kentucky bluegrass to establish on the site. Protection or a reduction in stocking level at thepoint where Kentucky bluegrass has become a significant component of the community allows rough fescue torecover, but it seems Kentucky bluegrass also remains as codominant. Willoughby (1996), found that somerangeland reference area sites which were protected from grazing before Kentucky bluegrass became establishedrecovered to Rough fescue-Idaho fescue-Parry oatgrass in 20-30 years. In contrast sites that had significantKentucky bluegrass invasion recovered to Rough fescue-Kentucky bluegrass dominated sites over the same timeperiod. It appears that both the unidirectional climax range condition model proposed by Dysterhuis (Wroe et al.1988) and the State and Threshold model proposed by Westoby et al. (1989) apply to the successional sequencesof the rough fescue grasslands of southwestern Alberta. This makes it extremely difficult to assess range healthon these sites (Willoughby and Alexander 2000). That is why the Ecological site and Desired Plant communityconcepts proposed by the Task Group on Unity in Concepts and Terminology (1995) have been adopted todetermine range health on these rangelands.


0.8 (0.8-0.63) AUM/AC



FORBSYARROW(Achillea millefolium) 4 0-16 89OLD MAN'S WHISKERS(Geum triflorum) 8 0-30 75DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 1 0-5 61GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla gracilis) 1 0-6 50AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia american) 1 0-6 57

GRASSESPARRY OATGRASS(Danthonia parryi) 4 0-15 82ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 22 9-44 100KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 11 0-41 89TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 3 0-20 43


MOISTURE REGIME:MESIC TO SUBHYGRIC


ELEVATION(RANGE):1507 (1330-1660) M



ASPECT:SOUTHERLY

ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 24-16FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)


113

C10. Rough fescue-Sedge- Mountain brome(Festuca scabrella-Carex obtusata-Bromus carinatus)

n=2 This community type represents grasslands that have been grazed moderately. Bromus carinatus is anintroduced species that is well adapated to moist woods and dry open meadows. The two sites where thiscommunity were described were on lower slope positions.


0.8 (0.8-0.63) AUM/AC


FORBSYARROW(Achillea millefolium) 1 1 100OLD MAN'S WHISKERS(Geum triflorum) 3 1-5 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 1 0-1 50YELLOW BEARDSTONGUE(Penstemon confertus) 5 0-10 50ALPINE BISTORT(Polygonum viviparum) 4 0-7 50AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 3 0-6 50

GRASSESPARRY OATGRASS(Danthonia parryi) 1 0-1 50ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 18 14-21 100MOUNTAIN BROME(Bromus carinatus) 23 3-43 100IDAHO FESCUE(Festuca idahoensis) 5 3-5 100


MOISTURE REGIME :MESIC TO SUBMESIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:

PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION(RANGE):1540(1494-1585) M

SOIL DRAINAGE:

WELL TO RAPIDLY

SLOPE:45%

ASPECT:

SOUTHEASTERLY


FORAGE PRODCUCTION (KG/HA)

GRASS 2185 (1170-3200)FORB 136(60-212)TOTAL 2321(1230-3412)

114

C11. Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass(Symphoricarpus occidentalis/Poa pratensis)

n=3 This community type was described on lower slope positions along the valley bottoms of the PorcupineHills. The increased moisture content on these sites favours the growth of snowberry which has slowly invadedinto the surrounding grasslands. Snowberry is common in the understory of many aspen communities throughoutthe Montane subregion. It is likely this community type will eventually become dominated by aspen.

The high moisture and nutrient content of the site make this a very productive community type, but thehigh snowberry cover limits its use by livestock. Snowberry is very resistant to fire and sprouts readily afterburning. It has been found that mowing followed by herbicide treatment is effective in controlling snowberrygrowth.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.1 (1-2.5) HA/AUM OR

0.35 (0.35-0.13) AUM/AC (BASED ONLY ON GRASS PRODUCTION)


SHRUBSSNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis,albus) 54 51-70 100

FORBSDANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 2 0-3 67YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 1 1-3 100AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 1 1-2 100

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 35 10-35 100QUACKGRASS(Agropyron repens) 4 0-10 67TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 2 0-3 67


MOISTURE REGIME :MESIC TO SUBHYGIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:

MESOTROPHIC TO PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1365(1350-1372)M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL

SLOPE:10%

ASPECT:SOUTHERLY



115

C12. Aspen/Orchardgrass-Kentucky bluegrass(Populus tremuloided/Dactylis glomerata-Poa pratensis)

n=2 This community dominated by a regenerating aspen overstory and an understory of orchardgrass andKentucky bluegrass represents old range improvement areas in the East Trout allotment in the Porcupine Hills.A number of treatments such as dragging and herbicide have been used to control aspen regeneration on these sitesin the Porcupine Hills. These range improvement techniques should be considered for controlling aspenregeneration on this community type.


0.57 (1-0.47) AUM/AC


TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 14 0-28 50SHRUBSSASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 1 0-2 50ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 4 0-7 50

FORBSLINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 11 1-21 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 5 1-9 100AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 1 1-2 100

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 12 9-14 100ORCHARDGRASS(Dactylis glomerata) 25 11-37 100


MOISTURE REGIME :MESIC

NUTRIENT REGIME:

MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1525(1495-1555)M

SOIL DRAINAGE:

WELL

SLOPE:12(10-15%)

ASPECT:

SOUTHERLY



116

C13. Sedge-Junegrass-Bluebunch wheatgrass(Carex obtusata-Koeleria macrantha-Agropyron spicatum)

n=28 this community type represents a grazing disclimax of the Bluebunch wheatgrass dominated communityfound on steep south facing slopes in the Montane. As grazing pressure increases bluebunch wheatgrass cover willdecline and sedge and junegrass will dominate the site. If grazing pressure continues to increase it is believed thesesites will eventually become dominated by fringed sage and little clubmoss (Bailey et al 1992), but this communitytype has not yet been described in Alberta.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE2.5 (0.75-3.5 HA/AUM OR 0.17 (0.55-0.12) AUM/AC


SHRUBSPRAIRIE ROSE (Rosa arkansana) 1 0-2 88WESTERN SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpos occidentalis)2 1-3 100

FORBSGRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 1 0-1 63SMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING (Antennaria parviflora) 2 0-8 50CUT LEAVED ANEMONE(Anemone multifida) 1 0-1 50FRINGED SAGE (Artemisia frigida) 4 1-9 100

GRASSESJUNEGRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 7 2-10 100RICHARDSONS NEEDLEGRASS(Stipa richarsonii) 1 0-2 75BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 8 3-12 100BLUEBUNCH WHEATGRASS (Agropyron spicatum) 5 1-7 100ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 2 0-5 75


MOISTURE REGIME:XERIC-SUBMESIC


ELEVATION:1580 M

SOIL DRAINAGE:RAPIDLY TO VERY RAPIDLY

SLOPE:46(0-65)%



FORAGE PRODUCTION(KG\HA)TOTAL 900 *ESTIMATE

117

MONTANE SHRUBLAND ECOLOGYShrubland communities in the montane subregion of Alberta occur in valley bottoms,

depressional areas, and on moist upland seepage areas. They are highly diverse and dynamiccommunities that represent transition from wetland to forest or seral stages of developmentfollowing disturbance. The Green alder-Scouler's willow-Wild red raspberry, Bebb willow/Hairywild rye and Hawthorn-Snowberry/K. bluegrass community types are found on moist, upland sites.They represent seral stages of development following disturbance. The Green alder-Scouler'swillow-Wild red raspberry community type is found on moderate northerly slopes and the Beakedwillow/Hairy wild rye community type is found on south-facing slopes with high moisture andnutrient regimes. The Hawthorn-Snowberry dominated community is often associated with smalldrainages and seepage areas. These upland shrublands provide excellent forage for wildlife in theearly stages of succession.

Lowland shrublands are found in low, marshy or bog sites and are often considered theedaphic climax communities on these sites since the wet cool soil conditions often preventsuccession to forest. However, where organic matter begins to accumulate and the site becomesdrier, succession to either black spruce or white spruce will occur. The extent of the shrub cover ishighly dependent on the water level. Colonization by willow and other shrubs such as dwarf andbog birch begins on the drier edges of sedge meadows and streams. This colonization expands ifthe water level decreases, but declines under prolonged exposure to flooded conditions. Theunderstory species most often associated with these shrublands include wire rush, beaked sedge,water sedge, other wetland sedges, and horsetail on the wettest sites. Bluejoint, slender wheatgrass,shrubby cinquefoil, and upland sedges are found on the more mesic, better drained sites. The betterdrained sites often have a Bebb willow overstory. Where water sedge and/or golden moss aredominant in the understory of the Sw/Willow/Water sedge/Golden moss community, indicates acalcium-rich environment, often with stagnant water (Beckingham, 1994; MacKinnon et. al., 1992).A dominance of beaked sedge in the understory of the Basket, Flat leaved or Bebb willowdominated communities, indicates nitrogen-rich conditions with flowing water (Beckingham, 1994). Bluejoint can also be a common understory species on the better-drained sites in these communitytypes. It appears that tufted hair grass will replace bluejoint on similar sites as elevation increases(Lane et. al., 2000).

The shrublands found adjacent to riparian areas occur on well-drained, coarse-textured soils. River alder indicates a seepage area when found on a slope as in the Yellow mountain avens-Riveralder/Low forb community type. Elsewhere, it grows best on poorly-drained, lower slope positions.Yellow mountain avens is a common pioneer species on gravelly river bars and rocky slopes andgrows especially well on calcium-rich soils (MacKinnon et. al., 1992). Silverberry and Drummond’swillow are also common in these riparian areas. Both these species prefer well-drained, coarse-textured soils. The riparian shrublands described here will eventually succeed to white spruce inthe absence of disturbance.

Increased grazing pressure tends to allow Kentucky bluegrass and timothy to invade theunderstory of many of these shrub dominated communities. The high moisture and nutrient contentof these sites makes them very productive for livestock grazing.

118

Table 3. Shrubland community types of the Montane subregion.

Community Community Productivity (kg/ha) Carrying type (*estimated) Moisture Drainage Capacity

Grass Forb Shrub Total (ha/AUM)__________________________________________________________________________________________________________D1. Yellow mountain avens-River alder/ Low forb 0* 10* 200* 210* Submesic Well 8.5D2. Yellow mountain avens/

June grass 200* 10* 50* 260* Mesic Very Rapidly 8.5D2a. Drummond’s willow 100* 100* 500* 700* Subhygric Well 2.6D3. Bebb willow/Hairy wild rye 1000* 200* 200* 1400* Subhygric Mod. Well 1.3D3a Bebb willow/Marsh reedgrass 1000* 200* 200* 1400* Subhydric Mod. Well 1.2D4. Bebb willow/Kentucky bluegrass 750* 250* 500* 1500* Subhygric Imperfectly 1.2D5. Green alder-Scouler's willow-Wild

red raspberry 0* 10* 150* 160* Mesic Well 10.0D6. Flat-leaved willow/Quackgrass-

Kentucky bluegrass 2000* 200* 300* 2500* Subhygric Mod. Well 0.7D7. Flat lv’d willow/Horsetail/Sedge 0* 300* 200* 500* Hygric Imperfectly 3.6D8. Myrtle lv’d willow/Sedge 714 485 301 1500 Subhydric Very Poorly 1.2D9. Basket willow/Sedge 1270 372 0 1642 Hygric Mod. Well 1.1D9a Basket willow/Kentucky bluegrass 1270* 372* 1642* Hygric Mod. Well 1.2D10. Dwarf birch-Shrubby cinquefoil/

Northern valerian/Sedge 1500* 200* 300* 2000* Hygric Imperfectly 0.9D11. White spruce-Willow/Water sedge/

Golden moss 750* 100* 400* 1250* Subhydric Very Poorly 1.5D12. Black spruce/Myrtle-leaved willow/

Wire rush-Sedge/Moss 350* 50* 500* 900* Subhydric Poorly 2.0D13. Water birch-Smooth willow/Pinegrass 1800* Hygric Imperfectly 1.2D14 Hawthorn-Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass 1154* Subhygric Well 0.8____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

119

Montane shrublands key1. Upland shrublands.................................................................................................................................... 2

Lowland or Riparian shrublands............................................................................................................... 52. Site is found at high elevations in upland depressions. Protection from the prevailing winds, and high moistureand nutrient regimes lead to a shrub dominated community. Trees may develop on the drier edges. Water birch isdominant.........................................................................................Water birch-Smooth willow/Pinegrass d13

Green alder, Bebb willow or Hawthorn dominated................................................................................. 33. Site is a seepage area on moderate northerly slopes found on mesic to hygric lower subalpinesites.............................................................................Green alder-Scouler’s Willow-Wild red raspberry d5

Bebb willow or Hawthorn dominated.................................................................................................... 44. Site is altered by grazing as indicated by the presence of Timothy and Nettle and is found close to Aspenforests............................................................................................Bebb Willow/Kentucky bluegrass d4

Drier upland shrub type found on ravines and seepage areas. Sited dominated by Bebb willow orHawthorn...........................................................................................................................................................4a4a Hawthorn, snowberry dominated site............................................ Hawthorn-Snowberry/K. bluegrass d14

Bebb willow, hairy wildrye dominated site................................................ Bebb willow/Hairy wildrye d35. Lowland, depressional areas...................................................................................................................... 6

Riparian areas adjacent to streams and rivers.......................................................................................... 11

6. Site undergoing succession to conifer forest, Sw, Sb present.............................................................. 7Wet sites dominated by willow or dwarf birch, maybe grazed............................................................ 8

7. Boggy sites with black spruce( Sb) ........................Sb/Myrtle lv’d willow/wire rush-Sedge/Moss d12Drier sites with white spruce (Sw)........................................................ Sw/Willow/Sedge/Golden moss d11

8. Drier sites dominated by dwarf birch...... Dwarf birch-Shrubby cinquefoil/Northern valerian/Sedge d10Wet sites willow dominated, also include grazed willow sites.................................................................. 9

9. Myrtle leaved willow dominated sites...................................................Myrtle leaved willow/Sedge d8 Sites dominated by Flat leaved, Basket or Bebb willow.......................................................................... 10

10. Flat leaved willow dominated sites.......................................................................................................... 10aBebb willow or Basket willow dominated sites....................................................................................... 10b

10a Grazed site with Kentucky bluegrass or Quackgrass dominated understory ....................................................................................................................Flat lv’d willow/K. bluegrass d6

Ungrazed site with sedge dominated understory.............................................Flat lv’d willow/Sedge d710b.Bebb willow dominated........................................................................................................................... 10c

Basket willow dominated......................................................................................................................... 10d10c Grazed Bebb willow type, K. bluegrass in understory..................... Bebb willow/Kentucky bluegrass d4

Ungrazed Bebb willow type, sedge dominated understory................... Bebb willow/Marsh reedgrass d3a10d Ungrazed Basket willow site, with sedge dominated understory........................... Basket willow/Sedge d9

Grazed Basket willow site, K. bluegrass dominated understory..... Basket willow/Kentucky bluegrass d9a11. Willow shrubland adjacent to rivers and streams on coarse textured soils.... Drummond’s willow d2a

Yellow mountain avens dominated gravelly river flats............................................................................. 1212. Site is on a moist, open south facing slope with a few Balsam poplar trees. Site is found up slope from the d2community type. River alder is abundant............................Yellow mountain avens-River alder/Low forb d1

Site is dry gravelly river flats with nutrient poor soils. Junegrass is abundant............................................................................................................................................................Yellow mountain avens/Junegrass d2

120

Figure 5. Landscape profile of the Montane shrubland community types.

121

MONTANE SUBREGION

SHRUBLAND COMMUNITY TYPES

Photo 7: This photo represents a Basket willow/Sedge community type. These shrublands arefound in valley depressions and are wet for much of the year. They provide excellent browse forwildlife.

122

D1. Yellow Mountain Avens-River Alder/ Low Forb(Dryas drummondii-Alnus tenuifolia/Low forb)

n=1 This community type is found on an open, south-facing slope which supports a few scattered balsam poplartrees. The abundance of river alder and presence of balsam poplar indicates that this is a moist, nutrient-rich seep.In contrast yellow mountain avens grows favorably on open, well-drained sites and is typical of dry, gravelly riverflats throughout Alberta. Willoughby (2001) described a Balsam poplar-White spruce/Willow/Yellow mtn. avenscommunity type that is similar, but successionally more mature in the Upper Foothills subregion. In the absence ofdisturbance, river alder and balsam poplar will increase causing mountain avens to decrease as the site becomesshaded. Eventually this site will succeed to white spruce forest. This community type would be found upslope fromthe Yellow mtn. avens-Silverberry/Junegrass community type (D2) which is found on the level river flats.



PLANT COMPOSITION CANOPY COVER (%)MEAN RANGE CONST.

TREESBALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 5 - 100

SHRUBSWHITE SPRUCE SEEDLINGS(Picea glauca) 3 - 100LODGEPOLE PINE SEEDLINGS(Pinus contorta) 1 - 100RIVER ALDER(Alnus tenuifolia) 10 - 100

DWARF SHRUBSYELLOW MTN. AVENS(Dryas drummondii) 25 - 100

FORBSCOMMON YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 1 - 100LINDLEY'S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 1 - 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 1 - 100



NUTRIENT REGIME: MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1210 M

ASPECT: SOUTHWEST

SLOPE: 10%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



GRASS 0FORBS 10SHRUBS 200TOTAL 210 *ESTIMATE

123

D2: Yellow Mountain Avens/Junegrass(Dryas drummondii/Koeleria macrantha)

n=2 This community type is typical of dry, gravelly river flats with nutrient poor soils. Mountain avens,silverberry, bearberry, juniper and junegrass are all characteristic of dry, rapidly-drained soils. Willoughby (2001)also describe a similar community type on dry, gravelly, well-drained river flats in the Upper Foothills Subregion.The poor soil conditions limits the forage productivity and amount of regrowth after grazing. This community typeshould be rated as secondary or non-use range.




TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 1 0-2 50TREMBLING ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 1 0-1 50

SHRUBSSILVERBERRY(Elaeagnus commutata) 5 0-10 50CREEPING JUNIPER(Juniperus horizontalis) 1 0-1 50SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 2 1-3 100

DWARF SHRUBSYELLOW MTN. AVENS(Dryas drummondii) 35 23-47 100COMMON BEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 2 0-4 50

FORBSCOMMON YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 4 0-8 50REFLEXED LOCO-WEED(Oxytropis deflexa) 3 0-5 50CUT-LEAVED ANEMONE(Anemone multifida) 1 1 100

GRASSESJUNEGRASS(Koeleria macrantha) 21 1-40 100AWNLESS BROME(Bromus inermis) 1 0-2 50MARSH REED GRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis) 1 0-1 50


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBMESIC-SUBXERIC

NUTRIENT REGIME: SUBMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1210-1848(1529) M

ASPECT: EAST

SLOPE: 1%

SOIL DRAINAGE: VERY RAPIDLY



GRASS 200FORBS 10SHRUBS 50TOTAL 260*ESTIMATE

124

D2a: Drummond’s willow(Salix drummondiana)

n=1 This community type was described next to the Oldman river on a recent river bar that is periodicallyflooded. Drummond’s willow is well adapted to growing in a variety of soil conditions, but it prefers growing onwell aerated soils. It is well adapted to growing at higher elevations and is often associated with the subalpine.Drummond’s willow communities tend to be long-lived and are often maintained by frequent flooding. If the watershifts and the site drys out it will often undergo succession to a white spruce dominated forest. The dense natureof this community type often limits livestock movement. It should be rated as non-use.



PLANTCOMPOSITIONCANOPY COVER (%)MEAN RANGE CONST.


SHRUBSSILVERBERRY(Elaeagnus commutata) 3 - 100DRUMMOND’S WILLOW(Salix drummondiana) 60 - 100MYRTLE LEAVED WILLOW(Salix myrtillifolia) 3 - 100

FORBSCANADA THISTLE(Cirsium arvense) 10 - 100MACCALLA’S ASTER(Aster maccallae) 3 - 100FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium) 3 - 100

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 10 - 100SMOOTH BROME(Bromus inermis) 20 - 100


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBHYGRIC

NUTRIENT REGIME: PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1400 M

ASPECT: SOUTH

SLOPE: 1%

SOIL DRAINAGE: Well



125

D3: Beaked Willow/Hairy Wild Rye(Salix bebbiana/Elymus innovatus)

n=2 This community type represents a drier upland willow type which can be found on north-facing slopes, ravinesand seepage areas. This community type was described in Banff and Jasper National Parks. The moisture and nutrientregimes favor an abundance of willow and the presence of a few scattered spruce trees. Beaked willow is highlypalatable to wild ungulates, therefore, this community should be considered important wildlife habitat. In the absenceof disturbance, this community type will likely succeed to white spruce.


0.3 AUM/AC


TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 3 0-5 50

SHRUBSBEAKED WILLOW(Salix bebbiana) 8 0-15 50CANADA BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 8 1-15 100WHITE SPRUCE SEEDLINGS(Picea glauca) 4 3-5 100WILLOW (Salix spp.) 4 2-5 100

FORBSWILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 6 1-10 100COMMON YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 3 0-5 50LINDLEY'S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 3 0-5 50NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreale) 3 0-5 50ALPINE HEDYSARUM(Hedysarum alpinum) 3 0-5 50

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 38 15-60 100WIRE RUSH(Juncus balticus) 3 0-5 50BLUEGRASS(Poa spp.) 3 0-5 50TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 2 0-3 50




ELEVATION(mean): 1000 - 1060 M (1030 M)

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SLOPE: 0-5%

SOIL DRAINAGE: MODERATELY WELL


FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA):

TOTAL 1154*ESTIMATE

126

D3a: Bebb willow/Marsh reedgrass(Salix bebbiana/Calamagrostis canadensis)

n=1 This community type was described at Beauvais Provincial Park. It represents a mosaic of willow clumpsamid a mainly graminoid matrix. In general Bebb willow is often associated with better drained soils than theBasket or Flat leaved willow dominated community types. The presence of Baltic rush and marsh reedgrassindicates that this site is better drained than the Basket and Flat leaved willow/ Sedge dominated community typesdescribed later in the guide. The open nature of this site and the drier site conditions would favour livestock use.Heavy livestock use will favour the growth of Kentucky bluegrass and timothy and would resemble the Bebbwillow/Kentucky bluegrass dominated community type.


0.3 AUM/AC



SHRUBSBEAKED WILLOW(Salix bebbiana) 20 - 100MYRTLE LEAVED WILLOW(Salix myritillifolia) 20 - 100

FORBSSWAMP HORSETAIL(Equisetum fluviatile) 10 - 100YELLOW AVENS(Geum aleppicum) 10 - 100Arrow leaved coltsfoot(Petasites sagittatus) 3 - 100LYALL’S ANGELICA(Angelica arguta) 3 - 100

GRASSESMARSH REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis)10 - 100WIRE RUSH(Juncus balticus) 20 - 100WATER SEDGE(Carex aquatilis.) 10 - 100




ELEVATION(mean): 1363 m

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SLOPE: 0-5%



FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA):

GRASS 1000FORBS 200SHRUBS 200 TOTAL 1400*ESTIMATE

127

D4: Bebb willow/Kentucky bluegrass(Salix bebbiana/Poa pratensis)

n=11 This community type is very similar to the Bebb willow/Hairy wild rye or Bebb willow/Marshreedgrass community type, however, this community type has been altered by grazing. The grazing pressurehas promoted the establishment of timothy, Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion. These sites are often veryproductive because of the higher nutrients and moisture and once Kentucky bluegrass and timothy becomeestablished these sites will be readily grazed by livestock. In the absence of disturbance this type will likelysucceed to white spruce.



SHRUBSFLAT LEAVED WILLOW

(Salix planifolia) 4 0-20 36PRICKLY ROSE

(Rosa acicularis) 2 0-15 63BEBB WILLOW

(Salix bebbiana) 39 10-80 100WILD RED RASPBERRY

(Rubus idaeus) 1 0-10 27RED-OSIER DOGWOOD

(Cornus stolonifera) 1 0-3 27

FORBSNETTLE(Urtica spp.) 2 0-25 27WILD VETCH

(Vicia americana) 2 0-6 91DANDELION

(Taraxacum officinale) 4 0-20 82HORSETAIL

(Equisetum arvense) 3 0-10 55

GRASSESTIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 12 0-50 73KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 8 0-40 91SMOOTH BROME(Bromus inermis) 9 0-80 27




ELEVATION: 1416(1218-1510) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: IMPERFECTLY

ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 16 OR 8FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)

GRASS 750FORBS 250SHRUB 500TOTAL 1500*ESTIMATE

128

D5: Green Alder-Scouler's Willow-Wild Red Raspberry(Alnus crispa-Salix scouleriana-Rubus idaeus)

n=2 This community type is generally found on mesic to hygric lower subalpine sites on moderate northerlyslopes. Soils are moderately well to well-drained on morainal landforms with the community occurring in seepageareas (Corns and Achuff, 1982). This type is similar to Jaques and Corbin's (1981) Scouler's willow-Beaked willowtype. It is also comparable to the Willow-Alder-Low bush cranberry/Shield fern type described by Lane et al. (2000)in the Lower Foothills subregion on similar site types. Salix scouleriana dominates the overstory and alder makesup a major portion of the understory cover. Dominance of alder may indicate a recent fire or other disturbance in theunderstory since alder regenerates faster than Salix scouleriana. White spruce, aspen, balsam poplar and lodgepolepine can often be found regenerating in this community type, therefore this community type will likely succeed towhite spruce (Corns and Achuff, 1982).


>10 HA/AUM OR< 0.04 AUM/AC


SHRUBSGREEN ALDER(Alnus crispa) 43 5-80 100SCOULER'S WILLOW(Salix scouleriana) 35 10-60 100WILD RED RASPBERRY(Rubus idaeus) 21 1-40 100PRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 8 0-15 50

FORBSVEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 10 0-20 50WESTERN CANADA VIOLET(Viola canadensis) 8 0-15 50RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY(Actaea rubra) 5 0-10 50BUNCHBERRY(Cornus canadensis) 3 0-5 50

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 3 1-5 100MARSH REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis) 3 0-5 50


MOISTURE REGIME: MESIC TO SUBHYGRIC

NUTRIENT REGIME: MESOTROPHIC TO PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION(MEAN): 1270-1580 M (1425 M)

ASPECT: NORTHERLY

SLOPE: 12-75%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL

ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 24 or 16



129

D6: Flat-Leaved Willow/Quackgrass-Kentucky Bluegrass(Salix planifolia/Agropyron repens-Poa spp.)

n=2 This community type represents a disturbed willow shrubland. Salix planifolia prefers areas where thewater table is shallow, and is found adjacent to riparian areas, fens, swamps and lakeshores. Heavy grazing of thistype has affected the understory vegetation allowing an increase in quackgrass and Kentucky bluegrass on the drierareas. The proximity to water and shallow water table would explain the heavy use by livestock as well as the highproduction. Care must be taken to ensure that the riparian habitat is not over-used by livestock.


0.55 AUM/AC

PLANT COMPOSITION CANOPY COVER (%) MEAN RANGE CONST.

SHRUBSFLAT-LEAVED WILLOW(Salix planifolia) 41 25-56 100DWARF BIRCH(Betula pumila) 1 0-1 50

FORBSMARSH VIOLET(Viola palustris) 3 0-6 50RUSH ASTER(Aster borealis) 2 0-3 50

GRASSESQUACKGRASS(Agropyron repens) 18 0-35 50KENTUCKY BLUE GRASS(Poa pratensis) 18 0-35 50BLUE GRASS(Poa spp.) 9 0-17 50GREEN SEDGE(Carex viridula) 4 0-7 50ALPINE RUSH(Juncus alpinus) 4 0-7 50BEAKED SEDGE(Carex rostrata) 2 0-3 50


MOISTURE REGIME: MESIC TO HYGRIC



SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL TO POORLY




130

D7: Flat leaved willow/Horsetail/Sedge(Salix planifolia/Equisetum arvense/Carex spp.)

n=6 This is a highly unusual community type for the montane. It will likely only be found at the lowerelevational limits of the montane subregion. Corns and Achuff (1982) describe this community type on hygric, levelto gently sloping fluvial landforms of various aspects. The soils are imperfectly to poorly drained and are subjectto periodic flooding and sediment deposition. Tree cover is absent and willow cover is high. Field horsetail is thedominant herb. Other species may also be found, such as dwarf shrubs and sedges, however, these are minorcomponents.




SHRUBSFLAT LEAVED WILLOW(Salix planifolia) 33 20-40 100RED-OSIER DOGWOOD(Cornus stolonifera) 1 0-3 33Bebb willow(Salix bebbiana) 7 0-20 83MYRTLE LEAVED WILLOW(Salix myrtillifolia) 8 0-20 83

FORBSFIELD HORSETAIL(Equisetum arvense) 14 1-40 100FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium) 4 0-20 67LARGE LEAVED AVENS(Geum macrophyllum) 2 0-10 50LYALL’S ANGELICA(Angelica arguta) 1 0-3 67

GRAMINOIDSBEAKED SEDGE(Carex rostrata) 3 0-10 67KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 2 0-10 50


MOISTURE REGIME: HYGRIC


ELEVATION: 1315(980-1420) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: IMPERFECTLY




131

D8: Myrtle leaved willow/Sedge(Salix myrtillifolia/Carex rostrata)

n=12 This community type is similar to the Willow-Bog birch/Sedge community type of Lane et al (2000). Itrepresents a typical willow/sedge community type found on wet, poorly drained soils. There are numerous differentspecies of willow as a result of the open canopy and the wet moisture regime. A high cover of beaked sedgeindicates a nitrogen-rich environment where the water is moving. Tufted hair grass (Deschampsia cespitosa) willreplace marsh reedgrass in this community type at higher elevations (Lane et al, 2000). This would be consideredan edaphic climax community since the area is frequently flooded which prevents establishment of trees althoughit may be found in association with black spruce and black spruce-larch community types. This community typewould be considered non-use for livestock due to the poor access caused by the wet substrate.


1.2 (2.5-0.7) HA/AUM OR0.35 (0.17-0.56) AUM/AC


SHRUBSMYRTLE LEAVED WILLOW(Salix spp.) 34 5-86 100BOG BIRCH(Betula glandulosa) 12 0-32 50SHRUBBY WILLOW(Salix arbusculoides) 1 0-8 18

FORBSARROW-LEAVED COLTSFOOT(Petasites saggitatus) 2 0-18 18LARGE-LEAVED AVENS(Geum macrophyllum) 2 0-13 17LINDLEYS ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 3 0-13 58STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 2 0-12 42

GRASSESSEDGE(Carex rostrata, C. aquatilis)26 3-70 100MARSH REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis)4 0-22 33WIRE RUSH(Juncus balticus) 5 0-18 67


MOISTURE REGIME: HYDRIC-HYGRIC

NUTRIENT REGIME : MESOTROPHIC-PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION(MEAN): 1241-1524(1450) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: IMPERFECTLY- VERY POORLY



GRASS 714(422-1132)FORBS 485(24-1818)SHRUB 301(204-710)TOTAL 1500(740-2522)

132

D9: Basket Willow/Sedge(Salix petiolaris/Carex spp.)

n=3 Basket willow prefers growing on well to moderately-well drained soils. The soils of this community type tendto be drier than the Myrtle leaved and Flat leaved willow community types, but are wetter than the Bebb willow dominatedtypes. Basket willow is not particularly palatable to wild ungulates, however the understory shrubs and forbs can providea substantial amount of forage. Heavy grazing of this community type will allow Kentucky bluegrass and timothy toinvade to form the Basket willow/Kentucky bluegrass dominated community type


0.35 AUM/AC


SHRUBSBOG BIRCH(Betula glandulosa) 13 0-23 67BASKET WILLOW(Salix petiolaris) 43 23-68 100SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 3 0-9 67HOARY WILLOW(Salix candida) 8 0-23 67

FORBSVEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 5 2-8 100FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium) 2 2-2 100PURPLE AVENS(Geum rivale) 2 0-5 33SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 5 0-15 33GRASSESWIRE RUSH(Juncus balticus) 5 1-10 100BEAKED SEDGE(Carex rostrata) 5 0-8 67GRACEFUL SEDGE(Carex praegracilis) 2 0-7 33SLENDER WHEATGRASS(Agropyron trachycaulum) 3 0-7 67MARSH REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis)21 0-6 33


MOISTURE REGIME: MESIC TO SUBHYDRIC

NUTRIENT REGIME : MESOTROPHIC TO PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1440 M

SLOPE: 0-6%

ASPECT: NORTHERLY

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL TO POORLY



GRASS 1270FORBS 372SHRUB 0TOTAL 1642

133

D9a: Basket Willow/Kentucky bluegrass(Salix petiolaris/Poa pratensis)

n=2 This community type represents a grazing disclimax of the Basket willow/Sedge dominated communitytype. Basket willow is not particularly palatable to livestock, but heavy grazing of the understory will allowKentucky bluegrass and timothy to invade. Once established these introduced species are very palatable to livestockand this community type would be extensively utilized by livestock because of the high moisture and nutrients onthe site.


0.35 AUM/AC


SHRUBSBOG BIRCH(Betula glandulosa) 2 1-23 100BASKET WILLOW(Salix petiolaris) 50 30-70 100FLAT LEAVED WILLOW(Salix planifolia) 2 0-3 50

FORBSCANADA THISTLE(Cirsium arvense) 2 0-3 50DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 1 1-2 100LARGE LEAVED AVENS(Geum macrophyllum) 6 2-10 100SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 4 0-8 50GRASSESBEAKED SEDGE(Carex rostrata) 9 9-10 100KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 17 13-20 100


MOISTURE REGIME: HYGRIC-SUBHYDRIC

NUTRIENT REGIME : PERMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1410-1480(1445) M

SLOPE: 2%

ASPECT: NORTHERLY

SOIL DRAINAGE: MOD. WELL



GRASS 500FORBS 188SHRUB 808TOTAL 1496

134

D10: Dwarf Birch-Shrubby Cinquefoil/Northern Valerian/Sedge(Betula pumila-Potentilla fruticosa/Valeriana dioica/Carex spp.)

n=2 This community type occurs on hummocky terrain. On wet, marshy sites, Betula pumila, Salix glauca,Salix maccalliana and Carex aquatilis are found. On the drier, subhygric hummocks, grassy open areas aredominated by Potentilla fruticosa, Deschampsia cespitosa, and Elymus innovatus. The drier hummocks wouldbe the only areas useful for domestic livestock,but may be difficult to access if the low areas are flooded.Therefore, this community type should be considered secondary range for domestic livestock.



SHRUBSDWARF BIRCH(Betula pumila) 23 20-25 100SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 18 15-20 100SMOOTH WILLOW(Salix glauca) 13 10-15 100VELVET-FRUITED WILLOW(Salix maccalliana) 15 0-30 50

FORBSNORTHERN VALERIAN(Valeriana dioica) 5 2-8 100SHOWY EVERLASTING(Antennaria pulcherrima) 1 1 100FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium) 1 1 100NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreale) 1 1 100ELEPHANT'S HEAD(Pedicularis groenlandica)3 0-5 50

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 2 2 100SEDGE(Carex spp.) 20 0-40 50TUFTED HAIR GRASS(Deschampsia cespitosa) 13 0-25 50RUSH-LIKE SEDGE(Carex scirpoidea) 8 0-15 50WATER SEDGE(Carex aquatilis) 4 0-8 50


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBHYGRIC TO SUBHYDRIC



SOIL DRAINAGE: IMPERFECTLY TO POORLY




135

D11: White Spruce-Willow/Water Sedge/Golden Moss(Picea glauca-Salix spp./Carex aquatilis/Tomenthypnum nitens)

n=2 This community type represents a wet willow shrubland succeeding to white spruce. The high water sedgeand golden moss cover indicates a calcium-rich environment (Beckingham, 1994; MacKinnon et al., 1992). Asorganic matter accumulates and the site becomes drier, willow and spruce will increase in cover. This communitywould be considered non-use for domestic livestock, however, Salix arbusculoides and Salix bebbiana are verypalatable to wild ungulates, therefore, this type could be considered important wildlife habitat.




SHRUBSWHITE SPRUCE SEEDLINGS(Picea glauca) 2 1-4 100SHRUBBY WILLOW(Salix arbusculoides) 18 0-35 50DWARF BIRCH(Betula pumila) 4 0-8 50BEAKED WILLOW(Salix bebbiana) 4 0-8 50COMMON LABRADOR TEA(Ledum groenlandicum) 2 0-3 50LODGEPOLE PINE SEEDLINGS(Pinus contorta) 1 0-2 50

FORBSRUSH ASTER(Aster borealis) 1 1 100WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 1 1 100SWAMP HORSETAIL(Equisetum fluviatile) 10 0-20 50DEWBERRY(Rubus pubescens) 1 0-2 50

GRASSESWATER SEDGE(Carex aquatilis) 29 20-38 100BEAKED SEDGE(Carex rostrata) 3 0-5 50MARSH REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis)1 0-1 50

MOSSESGOLDEN MOSS(Tomenthypnum nitens) 42 18-65 100RUSTY PEAT MOSS(Sphagnum fuscum) 8 0-15 50


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBHYDRIC

NUTRIENT REGIME: EUTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1240 M

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SLOPE: 0-2 %

SOIL DRAINAGE: VERY POORLY




136

D12: Black Spruce/Myrtle-Leaved Willow/Wire Rush-Sedge/Moss(Picea mariana/Salix myrtillifolia/Juncus balticus-Carex spp./ Moss spp.)

n=3 This community type represents a wet willow shrubland succeeding to black spruce. It is most simlar to theBog birch-Basket willow-Myrtle-leaved willow community type (D9), however this one is successionally moreadvanced. Salix myrtillifolia is characteristic of mossy bogs, muskegs and moist conifer forests (Jaques and Corbin,1981). This would be considered non-use for domestic livestock and wildlife because Salix myrtillifolia is generallyunpalatable.


2 HA/AUM OR0.2 AUM/AC


TREESBLACK SPRUCE(Picea mariana) 7 0-10 67

SHRUBSBLACK SPRUCE SEEDLINGS(Picea mariana) 15 1-40 100 LABRADOR TEA(Ledum groenlandicum) 3 1-5 100 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW(Salix myrtillifolia) 25 0-50 67SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 4 0-10 67DWARF BIRCH(Betula pumila) 3 0-5 67PRICKLY ROSE(Rose acicularis) 2 0-5 67

FORBSDWARF SCOURING RUSH(Equisetum scirpoides) 2 0-5 67NORTHERN BED STRAW(Galium boreale) 1 0-2 67

GRASSESWIRE RUSH(Juncus balticus) 14 1-30 100SHEATHED SEDGE(Carex vaginata) 15 0-40 67HAIR-LIKE SEDGE(Carex capillaris) 2 0-3 67NEBRASKA SEDGE(Carex nebraskensis) 5 0-15 33

MOSSESGOLDEN MOSS(Tomenthypnum nitens) 10 0-30 67TUFTED MOSS

(Aulacomnium palustre) 4 0-10 67BROWN MOSS(Drepanocladus revolvens) 7 0-20 67


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBHYGRIC TO SUBHYDRIC



SOIL DRAINAGE: POORLY




137

D13: Water birch-Smooth willow/Pinegrass(Betula occidentale-Salix glauca/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=1 This community was described on a hilltop depression which supports a high moisture and nutrientregime. The depression also provides protection from the prevailing winds. Therefore, shrubs are abundant,however, due to wet conditions at the bottom of the depression, trees will likely only develop on the drier edges. The surrounding wind-exposed areas support grassland vegetation, therefore, this community type wouldprovide good shelter for livestock later in the fall when the site had dried.



SHRUBSBRACTED HONEYSUCKLE(Lonicer involcrata) 6 - 100WATER BIRCH(Betula occidentale) 21 - 100SMOOTH WILLOW(Salix glauca) 21 - 100SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)15 - 100

FORBSSHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus.) 10 - 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 8 - 100WINTERGREEN(Pyrola asarifolia) 7 - 100SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 7 - 100

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)15 - 100PRAIRIE SEDGE(Carex prairea) 1 - 100




ELEVATION: 1600 M




TOTAL 1500*ESTIMATE

138

D14: Hawthorn-Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass(Crataegus rotundifolia-Symphoricarpos albus/Poa pratensis)

n=2 This community can be found on alluvial terraces along streams and rivers or on slopes immediatelybelow a spring or seep (Thompson and Hansen 2002). Thompson and Hansen (2002) described this communitytype in the Cypress Hills, but it has been observed in the Castle and South Castle drainages. Where thiscommunity type forms dense thickets there is little use by livestock. However, severe prolonged disturbance inthe more open stands can lead to the invasion of Kentucky bluegrass and timothy to form this community type. Succession in the absence of disturbance will likely be to aspen and then white spruce.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 0.8 HA/AUM OR

0.5 AUM/AC


TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 2 0-3 50

SHRUBSHAWTHORN(Crataegus rotundifolia) 70 70-70 100PRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 3 3-3 100CHOKECHERRY(Prunus virginiana) 5 0-10 50SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos albus) 17 3-30 100

FORBSCOW PARSNIP(Heracleum lanatum.) 7 3-10 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 3 3-3 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 3 3-3 100AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americanum) 2 1-3 100

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 17 3-30 100SPRENGEL’S SEDGE(Carex sprengelii) 10 1-20 100




ELEVATION: 1300(1234-1365) M




TOTAL 1154*ESTIMATE

139

MONTANE FOREST ECOLOGY

The Montane subregion is distinguished from other subregions by having two distinctecological sequences: Douglas-fir (Fd) and limber pine (Pf) in one sequence, and lodgepolepine(Pl) in another (Figure 4). Douglas-fir is the climax species on steep, south-facing, shallowrocky soils, and very coarse-textured outwash in valley bottoms (Strong 1992). Limber pineoccupies exposed rocky outcrops where the environmental conditions are extreme. These sitesare very xeric with shallow, poorly developed soils. Kuchar (1973) noted that the limber pine inAlberta is found at the northern limit of its range since it is found well below timberline. It isnormally associated with high elevations or timberline south of Alberta where it takes on akrummholz form (dwarfed, contorted form, maintained by strong winds).

Closed-canopied lodgepole pine stands represent the primary reference vegetation for themontane subregion, since they often occur on mesic sites (Strong 1992). In contrast, closed-canopied aspen(Aw) stands tend to occur on sites that are warmer and drier than the referencesites (Strong 1992). Douglas-fir and white spruce(Sw) represent the potential climatic climaxspecies for both lodgepole pine and aspen stands (Strong 1992; La Roi and Hnatiuk 1980). Balsam poplar(Pb), however, occupies the moistest sites and will succeed to white spruce sincethe high moisture content is not conducive to Douglas-fir succession.

Common understory species include thimbleberry, creeping mahonia, Canadabuffaloberry, bearberry, snowberry and white meadowsweet. These species tend to define theecosites and ecosite phases as described by Archibald et al. (1996). Thimbleberry and creepingmahonia are more common in the Castle area of the province. Moving north of Blairmore in theMontane thimbleberry is often replaced by cow parsnip and creeping mahonia by whitemeadowsweet on similar ecosites.

Many of the forested communities at lower elevations (1400-1500 m ) in the Castle areawere dominated by subalpine species (subalpine fir(Fa), Engelmann spruce(Se)), whereas theMontane grasslands in this area were described up to elevations of 2000 m. This resulted in abroad range of characteristic species on modal sites. Archibald et al. (1996) felt there had to befurther refinement of the Subalpine subregion into upper and lower latitudinal subdivisions. Clearly, this would help to refine the classification of community types in the Castle area.

The common species, canopy cover, community characteristics and productivity areoutlined.

140

Figure 6: Ecological sequence of the plant communities in the Montane subregion along anenvironmental gradient (Strong 1992)

141

Table 4. Conifer, Mixedwood and Deciduous community types in the Montane subregion.

CarryingCommunity Community Productivity (kg/ha) Capacity number type Grass Forb Shrub Total Moisture Drainage (ha/AUM)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Conifer community typesE1 Pf/Rough fescue - - - 1500* Subxeric Well 1.2E2 Pf-Fd/Juniper/Bearberry - - - 350* Xeric Rapidly 2.6E3 Pl/Bearberry-Juniper 97 150 350 597 Xeric Rapidly 3.0E4 Sw-Pl/Alder/Bearberry - - - 850* Subxeric Rapidly 2.1E5 Pl/Buffaloberry/Pinegrass 804 282 50 1172 Submesic Well 1.6E6 Fd/Hairy wildrye 212 168 61 441 Mesic Well 4.1E6a Fd/Needle litter 330 33 68 431 Submesic Well 4.2E6b Fd/Timothy 984 172 - 1156 Submesic Mod.well 1.6E7 Pl/Low bilberry/Hairy wildrye 108 32 50 190 Mesic Rapidly 9.0E8 Pl/White meadowsweet 156 202 270 628 Submesic Rapidly 2.9E9 Pl/Pinegrass 253 180 86 518 Mesic Well 3.5E10 Sw-Fd/White meadowsweet 149 106 79 333 Mesic Well 5.4E10a Fd/Snowberry 267 227 122 615 Mesic Well 2.9E11 Pl/Moss 243 433 30 706 Mesic Well 2.7E12 Sw/Moss 60 138 4 201 Mesic Well 9.0E12a Sw/Horsetail 28 332 124 484* Subhygric Mod. Well 3.8E12b Sw/Silverberry/Horsetail 100 401 52 553* Subhygric Well 3.3E13 Pl/Thimbleberry 320 460 191 976 Mesic Well 1.9E14 Pl/Thimbleberry/Beargrass 80 856 1010 1946 Submesic Rapidly 1.9E15 Pl/River alder-Thimbleberry - - - 800* Subhygric Mod. Well 2.3E16 Sw/Thimbleberry 18 130 100 248 Mesic Well 3.0E17 Sb-Lt/Labrador tea - - - 500* Hygric Poorly 3.0E18 Se/Grouseberry 430 484 156 1064 Mesic Well 2.0____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

142

Table 4. Continued CarryingCommunity Community Productivity (kg/ha) Capacity number type Grass Forb Shrub Total Moisture Drainage (ha/AUM)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________E19 Se/Moss 60 212 62 334 Mesic Well 5.4E20 Fa-Pl-Sw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass 845 537 177 1480 Mesic Rapidly 1.5E21 Fa-Se/Heart lv’d arnica 16 153 239 408 Mesic Well 4.5E22 Se/Clover-Oxeye daisy - - - 604 Mesic Well 3.8Mixedwood community typesF1 Aw-Fd/Bearberry 418 190 - 608 Submesic Rapidly 3.0F2 Sw-Pl/Yellow Mtn. avens 152 252 40 444 Submesic Rapidly 4.0F3 Aw-Pl/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye - - - 350* Submesic Rapidly 4.0F4 Aw-Pl/Pinegrass 600 384 0 984 Mesic Well 2.6F4a Fd-Aw/Pinegrass 905 237 51 1192 Submesic Well 1.5F5 Aw-Sw/Blueberry 330 46 48 424 Mesic Well 2.1F6 Aw-Fd/White meadowsweet - - - 800* Mesic Well 2.3F7 Aw-Pb-Sw/Pinegrass 122 282 28 412 Mesic Well 4.4F8 Aw-Fa/Snowberry/Pinegrass 152 210 754 1116 Mesic Well 1.6F8a Aw-Pl/Marsh reedgrass 1120 215 0 1336 Mesic Well 1.4F9 Pl-Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass 668 774 506 1948 Submesic Well 1.8F10 Aw-Fa-Se/Timothy 1328 346 232 1906 Mesic Well 1.8F11 Spruce-Pb/Snowberry 97 681 237 1016 Subhygric Well 1.8F12 Sw-Aw/Scouring rush - - - 800* Subhygric Mod. Well 2.2

Deciduous community typesG1 Aw/Bearberry/Rough fescue 578 220 148 946 Submesic Well 2.2G2 Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye 856 313 75 1244 Mesic Well 1.5G3 Aw/Hairy wildrye 836 1228 0 2064 Mesic Well 1.5G4 Aw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass 882 470 75 1410 Mesic Well 1.8____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

143

Table 4 continued CarryingCommunity Community Productivity (kg/ha) Capacity number type Grass Forb Shrub Total Moisture Drainage (ha/AUM)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________G5 Aw/Rose/Pinegrass 803 466 53 1332 Mesic Well 1.3G6 Aw/Pinegrass-Kentucky bluegrass 1005 584 126 1713 Mesic Well 1.3G7 Aw/Timothy-Kentucky bluegrass 1006 114 242 1362 Mesic Well 1.3G8 Aw/Snowberry-Saskatoon 653 406 335 1278 Mesic Well 1.8G9 Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass 606 749 354 1709 Mesic Well 1.8G9a Aw-Pb/Marsh reedgrass 1042 404 39 1485 Hygric Well 1.2G10 Aw/Thimbleberry 575 454 380 1410 Subhygric Mod. Well 1.8G11 Aw/Cow parsnip 525 2569 74 3169 Subhygric Mod. Well 0.9G12 Pb/Thimbleberry 36 1234 684 1954 Subhygric Mod. Well 1.8 G13 Pb/Cow parsnip/Kentucky bluegrass 4 856 1010 1870* Subhygric Mod. Well 0.9G14 Pb/Snowberry 382 483 893 1760 Mesic Well 1.3G15 Aw/Birch-Willow 804 452 622 1878 Subhygric Mod. Well 1.5

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________*estimate

144

Figure 7. Landscape profile of the forested community types in the Montane subregion

145

MONTANE SUBREGION

CONIFEROUS COMMUNITY TYPES

Photo 8: Conifer: This is a Douglas-fir-White spruce community type. Where the canopyopens up, grasses are fairly abundant and provide good forage for wildlife and livestock. In theabsence of disturbance, this site will likely succeed to white spruce.

146

Montane Coniferous key1. Wet, poorly drained, lowland boggy sites dominated by Black spruce and Larch. or riparian areas dominated by

horsetail........................................................................................................................................................................................... 1aDrier upland sites dominted by spruce, Douglas fir or Pine species................................................................................... 2

1a Lowland boggy areas dominated by Sb and Lt................................................................................................ Sb-Lt/Labrador tea e17Riparian areas (adjacent to streams and rivers) dominated by horsetail............................................................................... 1b

1b Moist area understory dominated by horsetail............................................................................................................ Sw/Horsetail e12aOld river bar dominated by silverberry and horsetail............................................................................. Sw/Silverberry/Horsetail e12bSite is well drained and drier, Black spruce and larch not present .......................................................................................... 2

2. Stand dominated by subalpine species; Subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, Grouseberry, and False azalea............... 3Stand not dominated by subalpine species but rather White spruce, Douglas fir, Aspen, Lodgepole pine, Limber pine, or Balsam poplartrees........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

3. Stand dominated by Engelmann spruce....................................................................................................................................... 4Stand dominated by Subalpine fir................................................................................................................................................. 6

4. Site is grazed, contains species indicative of grazing; Clover, Ox-eye daisy......................Se/Clover-Oxeye daisy e22Site is ungrazed..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

5. Grouseberry dominates the understory...............................................................................................Se/Grouseberry/Moss e18Moss dominates the understory......................................................................................................................................Se/Moss e19

6. Understory dominated by white meadowsweet....................................Fa-Pl-Sw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass e20Arnica dominates the understory.............................................................................................Fa-Se/Heart-leaved arnica e21

7. Drier upper slope position dominated by Limber pine, Douglas fir, Bearberry, or Juniper...................................... 8Mesic sites, understory dominated by White meadowsweet, Pinegrass, Thimbleberry, Cow parsnip, and Moss. The overstory is dominated by Douglas fir,Lodgepole pine and White spruce................................................................................................................................................. 16

8. Limber pine dominates the community........................................................................................................................................... 9Lodgepole pine or Douglas fir dominate the community......................................................................................................... 10

9. Rough fescue dominates the understory.......................................................................................................Pf/Rough fescue e1Bearberry dominates the understory.........................................................................................Pf-Fd/Juniper/Bearberry e2

10. Lodgepole pine dominates the community................................................................................................................................. 11Douglas fir dominates the community......................................................................................................................................... 13

11. Bearberry and Juniper dominate the understory. South slope and coarse textured soils lead to dry site conditions......................................................................................................................................................................................Pl/Bearberry-Juniper e3

Low bilberry,Hairy wildrye, Alder and/or Bearberry dominate the understory................................................................. 1212 Low bilberry and Hairy wildrye dominated the understorey. Site is typically pine dominated stand adjacent to grasslands in the Ya Ha Tindaarea.............................................................................................................................................................Pl/Low bilberry/Hairy wildrye e7

Alder and Bearberry dominate the understory and the site is a rapidly draining level area with poor nutrient regime.....................................................................................................................................................................................Sw-Pl/Alder/Bearberry e4 13. Site is grazed and is invaded by Timothy............................................................................................................Fd/Timothy e6b

Site is ungrazed and not invaded................................................................................................................................................... 1414. Site has small individual Snowberry plants spread evenly thoughout the community. ....................Fd/Snowberry e10a

Site has very little or no understory forage................................................................................................................ 1515. Site is a mature Douglas fir forest with a closed canopy and little or no understory vegetation....Fd/needle litter e6a

Site occurs on steep and dry areas or valley bottems with coarse textured outwash areas. There is a high cover of Douglas fir and a sparseunderstory......................................................................................................................................................Fd/Hairy wildrye e6

16. Moist seepage areas with Cow parsnip and Thimbleberry....................................................................................................... 17Drier sites with White meadowsweet, Pinegrass, Buffaloberry or Moss............................................................................. 20

17. Sw dominated sites..........................................................................................................................................Sw/Thimbleberry e16Pl dominated sites................................................................................................................................................................................ 18

18. River alder and Thimbleberry dominated...............................................................................Pl/River alder/Thimbleberry e15 Thimbleberry and Beargrass dominated, or Thimbleberry dominated................................................................................. 19

19. Thimbleberry and Beargrass dominated..............................................................................Pl/Thimbleberry/Beargrass e14Thimbleberry dominate...............................................................................................................................Pl/Thimbleberry e13

20. Pl, Buffaloberry, Pinegrass dominated.......................................................................................Pl/Buffaloberry/Pinegrass e5Sw, Pl dominate the overstory........................................................................................................................................................ 21

21. Moss is a major component of the understory........................................................................................................................... 22Pinegrass is present in the understory......................................................................................................................................... 23

22. White spruce is the major overstory species...............................................................................................................Pl/Moss e11Lodgepole pine is the major overstory species.........................................................................................................Sw/Moss e12

23. Sw, white meadowsweet, and pinegrass minimal..................................................................Sw-Fd/White meadowsweet e10Pl dominated, white meadowsweet, Pinegrass co-dominant.....................................Pl/White meadowsweet, Pl/Pinegrass e8, e9

147

E1: Pf/Rough fescue(Pinus flexilis/Festuca scabrella)

n=1 This community type was described on a steep, west-facing slope with a subxeric moisture regime. Thehigh cover of rough fescue distinguishes this community from other, more typical limber pine dominatedcommunity types. This community probably has deeper soils and is likely protected to some extent from the dry,dessicating winds that are normally associated with limber pine community types (Corns and Achuff 1982). Theseconditions would favour the growth of rough fescue.



TREESLIMBER PINE(Pinus flexilis) 20 - 100DOUGLAS-FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 2 - 100

SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 5 - 100CREEPING JUNIPER(Juniperus horizontalis) 2 - 100BRISTLY BLACK CURRANT(Ribes lacustre) 1 - 100

FORBSGOLDEN BEAN(Thermopsis rhombifolia) 4 - 100COMMON YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 1 - 100PASTURE SAGEWORT(Artemisia frigida) 1 - 100WILD BERGAMOT(Monarda fistulosa) 1 - 100

GRASSESROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 95 - 100SLENDER WHEAT GRASS(Agropyron trachycaulum)1 - 100PARRY OAT GRASS(Danthonia parryi) 1 - 100


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBXERIC


ELEVATION: 1475 M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL

SLOPE: 40%

ASPECT: WEST



TOTAL 1500 KG/HA*(*ESTIMATED)

148

E2: Pf-Fd/Juniper/Bearberry(Pinus flexilis-Pseudotsuga menziesii/Juniperus communis/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

n=6 This community type occurs on steep, exposed ridge tops and upper slope positions within the montanesubregion. It is characterized by dry site conditions and exposure to westerly winds. Soils are often shallow to bedrock(Archibald et al 1996), This community often forms an edaphic climax on these sites. Limber pine is normally associatedwith high elevations or timberline where it attains a Krummholz form (Kuchar 1973). However, the montane regionsof Southwestern Alberta are found at the northern limits of the range for limber pine, thus they can generally be foundat the lower elevations between prairie and coniferous forest. Limber pine, bearberry, juniper and the other associatedspecies of this community type are all well adapted to the low moisture levels, high light intensity, heat and low soilnutrient levels which occur on these erosional, south-facing scarps (Kuchar 1973). Utilization of this site by livestockis often difficult because of the steep slope. These sites are generally considered non-use.




TREESDOUGLAS-FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 4 0-15 83LIMBER PINE(Pinus flexilis) 18 10-30 100LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 2 0-10 17

SHRUBSGROUND JUNIPER(Juniperus horizontalis) 3 0-15 50COMMON JUNIPER(Juniperus communis) 5 0-15 67SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 4 0-10 83

FORBSCUT LV’D ANEMONE(Anemone multifida) 4 0-15 83WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 1 0-5 50BEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 11 0-63 17NODDING ONION(Allium cernuum) 1 0-1 83

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 2 0-4 67ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 4 0-14 67PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)3 0-18 33


MOISTURE REGIME: XERIC-SUBXERIC

NUTRIENT REGIME: SUBMESOTROPHIC TO MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1519(980-1845) M

SLOPE: 14(2-30)%

ASPECT: SOUTHWESTERLY



FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)TOTAL 350*(*ESTIMATED)

149

E3: Pl/Bearberry-Juniper(Pinus contorta/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi-Juniperus spp.)

n=5 This community type is similar to the Limber pine-Douglas-fir/Juniper/Bearberry community type previouslydescribed, but occurs on slightly richer and better developed soils. Dry site conditions from south exposures or coarse-textured soils are characteristic of this community type (Archibald et al. 1996). The dry site conditions limit the amountof forage this site can produce and the steep slope limits access to livestock. As a result, this community type wouldbe considered non-use.


3.0 (1.82-11) HA/AUM OR0.12 (0.2-<0.04) AUM/AC


TREESLIMBER PINE(Pinus flexilis) 1 0-5 17DOUGLAS-FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 1 0-10 25LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 44 3-70 100

SHRUBSCOMMON BEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 3 0-30 25JUNIPER(Juniperus spp.) 6 0-31 75SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 1 0-2 33SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 1 0-2 16CANADA BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 2 0-16 50

FORBSNODDING ONION(Allium cernuum) 1 0-2 25CUT-LEAVED ANEMONE(Anemone multifida) 1 0-2 33NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreale) 2 0-11 75YELLOW HEDYSARUM(Hedysarum sulphurescens)1 0-9 25

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 1 0-6 42SEDGE(Carex spp.) 2 0-9 33PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)15 0-38 75


MOISTURE REGIME: XERIC TO MESIC


ELEVATION RANGE: 1700(1460-2010) M

ASPECT: SOUTH TO WEST

SLOPE: 52(14-80)% (steep slopes and hill crests)





150

E4: Sw-Pl/Alder/Bearberry(Picea glauca-Pinus contorta/Alnus crispa/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

n=1 This community was described by Corns and Achuff (1982) in the Banff and Jasper Mountain ecodistricts.It occupies rapidly drained, level areas with a poor nutrient regime. This community is similar to Archibald et al’s.(1996) bearberry Aw-Sw-Pl ecosite phase. Succession will generally be to white spruce, but succession rates will beslow because of the dry site conditions. The presence of green alder indicates there is a higher moisture content at somepoint in the growing season, making this community type slightly moister than the modal bearberry ecosite. The hightree cover and poor nutrient status would limit the amount of forage for domestic livestock. This community wouldbe rated non-use.




TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 10 - 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 32 - 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 12 - 100

SHRUBSGROUND JUNIPER(Juniperus communis) 12 - 100GREEN ALDER(Alnus crispa) 82 - 100 SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 32 - 100BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 30 - 100TALL BILBERRY(Vaccinium caespitosum) 22 - 100

FORBSBEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 12 - 100 TWIN FLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2 - 100

GRASSESMARSH REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis)30 - 100TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 20 - 100




ELEVATION RANGE : 1360 M



FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)TOTAL 850*(*ESTIMATED)

151

E5: Pl/Buffaloberry/Pinegrass (Pinus contorta/Shepherdia canadensis/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=4 This community type occurs on submesic, well drained, south and west-facing slopes. It is situated inslightly lower slope positions and therefore has better developed soils than the Limber pine and bearberry-dominatedcommunity types previously described. Archibald et al. (1996) described this community type as being part of theCanada buffaloberry-hairy wildrye ecosite. They felt this ecosite to be relatively dry for the subregion, but not asdry as the limber pine and bearberry ecosites. This community type has only sparse understory vegetation andtherefore has only limited forage for domestic livestock. It should be rated as non-use.




TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 52 35-71 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 1 0-5 25

SHRUBSCANADA BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 19 3-35 100SHINING WILLOW(Salix lucida) 3 0-11 25PRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 1 0-2 25

FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 4 1-13 100SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 11 0-30 75HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 5 0-15 75FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)2 0-6 100

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)15 0-36 75HAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 23 0-40 75


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBXERIC TO MESIC

NUTRIENT REGIME: SUBMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION:1544(1502-1580)M

ASPECT: SOUTHERLY

SLOPE: 17(5-30)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: RAPIDLY TO MODERATELY




152

E6: Fd/Hairy wildrye(Pseudotsuga menziesii/Elymus innovatus)

n=11 This community type occurs on steep, dry sites throughout the subregion. Douglas fir is usually restrictedto steep, south facing slopes, shallow rocky soils and coarse-textured outwash in valley bottoms (Strong 1992). Thesoils of this type are not as rich as the previously described Pl/Buffaloberry, but are better than the bearberry andlimber pine dominated ecosites. This community has a high cover of Douglas fir and a very sparse understory.Consquently, there is little forage available for domestic livestock. As a result, this community type would be ratedas non-use.


4.1 (2-10) HA/AUM OR0.1 (0.2-<0.04) AUM/AC


TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 3 0-20 18DOUGLAS FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 53 20-80 100

SHRUBSPRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 5 1-24 100WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 5 0-19 73COMMON JUNIPER(Juniperus communis) 1 0-15 9

FORBSSHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 4 0-15 82VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 1 0-4 18STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 3 0-8 91HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 4 0-23 46CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 1 0-2 64

GRASSESHAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 7 0-15 91PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)3 0-13 73


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBXERIC-MESIC


ELEVATION: 1565(1432-1765) M

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SLOPE: 13(3-45)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL TO RAPIDLY




153

E6a: Fd/Needle litter(Pseudotsuga menziesii)

n=1 This community type represents a mature Douglas fir forest. The closed canopy of Douglas fir limits the lightreaching the forest floor restricting the growth of the understory vegetation. Consequently there is little forage availablefor domestic livestock and this community type would be rated as non-use.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE GENERALLY NON-USE

4.2 (2-10) HA/AUM OR0.1 (0.2-<0.04) AUM/AC


TREESDOUGLAS FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 35 - 100

SHRUBSPRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 2 - 100SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 1 - 100

FORBSLOW GOLDENROD(Solodago missourensis) 4 - 100SILKY PERENNIAL LUPINE(Lupinus sericeus) 3 - 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 2 - 100STICKY PURPLE GERANIUM(Geranium viscosissimum)1 - 100THREE FLOWERED AVENS(Geum triflorum) 1 - 100AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 1 - 100

GRASSESRICHARDSON’S NEEDLEGRASS(Stipa richardsonii) 8 - 100KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 7 - 100PARRY’S OATGRASS(Danthonia parryi) 3 - 100ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 2 - 100IDAHO FESCUE(Festuca idahoensis) 2 - 100


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBXERIC-SUBMESIC


ELEVATION: 1570(1493-1649) M

ASPECT: SOUTH

SLOPE:20%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




154

E6b: Fd/Timothy(Pseudotsuga menziesii/Phleum pratense)

n=1 This community type was described on a hill crest and represents a Douglas fir/Rough fescue dominatedcommunity type that has been extensively utilized by livestock. Livestock often congregate in these open Douglas firstands on the hilltops. These sites are often windy, cool and the livestock can escape from the bugs. The heavy useon these sites favours the growth of timothy over the native grass species. These sites are quite productive and shouldbe rated as secondary range.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 1.6 HA/AUM OR 0.25 AUM/AC


TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 1 - 100DOUGLAS FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 30 - 100

FORBSSPARROW’S EGG LADY’S SLIPPER(Cypripedium paserinum) 3 - 100VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 2 - 100CANADA THISTLE(Cirsium arvense) 1 - 100NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreal) 1 - 100LOW GOLDENROD(Solodago missourensis) T - 100

GRASSESTIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 24 - 100BLUE JOINT(Calamagrostis canadensis)2 - 100JUNE GRASS(Koeleria macrantha) 5 - 100BLUE BUNCH WHEATGRASS(Agropyron spicatum) 5 - 100HAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 2 - 100AWNLESS BROME(Bromus inermis) 2 - 100




ELEVATION: 1619 M

ASPECT: SOUTH

SLOPE: 2%





155

E7: Pl/Low bilberry/Hairy wildrye(Pinus contorta/Vaccinium cespitosum/Elymus innovatus)

n=1 This community is typical of the pine dominated community types adjacent to the grasslands within the YaHa Tinda area. They tend to be dry sites, that are well drained with poor to medium nutrient regimes. Forageproduction on these sites tends to be low because of the closed canopy cover. Succession in the absence ofdisturbance will be to white spruce.


9.0 HA/AUM OR <0.04 AUM/AC


TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 37 - 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 5 - 100

SHRUBSLOW BILBERRY(Vaccinium cespitosum) 13 - 100SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 5 - 100

FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 1 - 100SMALL LEAVED EVERLASTING(Antennaria parviflora) 1 - 100CUT LEAVED ANEMONE(Anemone multifida) 1 - 100ALPINE HEDYSARUM(Hedysarum alpinum) 1 - 100

GRASSESHAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 4 - 100ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 3 - 100

LICHEN 2 - 100




ELEVATION: 1600 M

ASPECT: VARIABLE





156

E8: Pl/White meadowsweet(Pinus contorta/Spiraea betulifolia)

n=6 This community is one of several community types which represent the mesic/medium ecosite for theMontane subregion. These sites can be dominated by Douglas fir, white spruce, aspen or lodgepole pine. Theunderstory can be dominated by white meadowsweet, pinegrass or feather moss depending on the successional statusof the stand. In the vicinity of the Crowsnest Pass creeping mahonia is also common on these sites (Archibald et al.1996). White meadowsweet is well adapted to growing on dry rocky slopes (MacKinnon et al. 1992). The presenceof a high cover of white meadowsweet may indicate slightly drier conditions and shallower soils than a communitydominated by pinegrass. This community type produces little forage for domestic livestock and should be considerednon-use.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATEGENERALLY NON-USE2.9(1.8-4.2)HA/AUM

0.15(0.1-0.23)AUM/AC


TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 54 34-80 100ENGELMANN SPRUCE(Picea engelmannii) 4 0-23 17

SHRUBSCANADA BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 1 0-5 33GROUND JUNIPER(Juniperus communis) 1 0-4 17WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 18 7-26 100THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflora) 8 0-35 67

FORBSWILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 4 0-13 83HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 4 1-8 100SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 3 0-11 33TALL BILBERRY(Vaccinium membranaceum)9 0-35 33

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) T 0-2 17PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)10 0-35 67MOSS SPP. 3 0-15 33


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBMESIC TO MESIC


ELEVATION RANGE:1602(1460-1768) M

ASPECT: SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST

SLOPE: 24(2-53)%





157

E9: Pl/Pinegrass(Pinus contorta/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=15 This community is dominated by a lodgepole pine overstory and an understory of pinegrass. Successionwill be to white spruce or Douglas fir, but the extensive fire and disturbance history in the Montane has resulted ina predominance of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir (Archibald et al. 1996). This community is also very similar tothe previously described Pl/White meadowsweet community type, but the high cover of pinegrass and low coverof white meadowsweet may indicate slightly moister, better developed soils. Pinegrass is generally unpalatable tolivestock, but if it is grazed early in the spring they will utilize it as a forage source. The forage productivity of thiscommunity type is quite low. As a result, this community should be rated as secondary or non-use.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE3.5 (2.0-6.8) HA/AUM

0.13(0.2-<0.04) AUM/AC


TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 52 35-70 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 6 0-30 62

SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 4 0-13 80WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 2 0-5 47CANADA BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 1 0-7 13SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)1 0-7 13

FORBSSHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 4 0-10 67HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 5 0-20 67TWINFLOWER(Linnaea borealis) 16 0-50 80STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 8 0-36 93

GRASSESHAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 8 0-42 60PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)14 0-34 93KEELED BROME(Bromus carinatus) 4 0-28 20


MOISTURE REGIME: MESIC


ELEVATION: 1572(1432-1710)M


ASPECT: SOUTHERLY

SLOPE: 14(2-30)%




158

E10: Sw-Fd/White meadowsweet(Picea glauca-Pseudotsuga menziesii/Spiraea betulifolia)

n=4 This community type is successional more advanced than the Pl/White meadowsweet and Pl/Pinegrasscommunity types previously described. Archibald et al. (1996) described the successional changes from pine towhite spruce and douglas fir on these mesic/medium sites. As succession occurs there is less light reaching the forestfloor and understory vegetation becomes very sparse. As a result, there is little forage for domestic livestockunderneath these forested stands. This community type would be rated as non-use.


5.4(3.8-8) HA/AUM0.07(.05-0.1) AUM/AC


TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 34 25-60 100DOUGLAS FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 30 10-40 100LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 4 0-10 50

SHRUBSWHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 3 0-5 50THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 3 0-8 50TWIN FLOWER(Linnaea borealis) 3 0-9 50

FORBSWILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 1 0-1 50SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 1 0-3 75FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium) 1 0-1 25WESTERN MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum occidentale) 5 6-12 50FALSE SOLOMON’S SEAL(Smilacina racemosa) 1 0-3 50HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 3 0-8 50

GRASSESHAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 1 0-4 50PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)4 0-7 100




ELEVATION:1556(1487-1600)M

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SLOPE: 23(14-35)%





159

E10a: Fd/Snowberry(Pseudotsuga menziesii/Symphoricarpos occidentalis)

n=5 This community type was described on moderate south and westerly facing slopes on the east side of thePorcupine Hills. Snowberry is generally indicative of nutrient rich seepage areas in the Montane subregion andgenerally forms thickets in the lower slope positions. The snowberry in this community type consists of smallindividual plants that are uniformly scattered throughout the community. Archibald et al. (1996) did not recognizethis community type and placed it within the hairy wildrye (submesic/medium) ecosite because of the moderateslopes the community was described on. However, the high constancy of snowberry in this community type appearsto indicate slightly higher moisture and nutrients. Consequently, this community type was placed within themesic/medium ecosite. Livestock may use these community types because of the open nature of the tree canopy, butthe forage production is only moderate and the areas where this community type were described are generallyinaccessible to livestock. As a result this community type should be rated as non-use range.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATEGENERALLY NON-USE2.9(1.6-2.0) HA/AUM

0.12(<0.04-0.2) AUM/AC


TREESDOUGLAS FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 40 25-55 100

SHRUBSWHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 3 0-14 40SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentale)12 7-18 100PRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 3 1-8 100PIN CHERRY(Prunus pensylvanica) 1 0-3 40

FORBSWILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 2 1-3 100SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 1 0-1 60BALSAMROOT(Balsamorhiza sagittata) 2 0-8 20WESTERN MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum occidentale) 1 0-4 20AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 1 1-2 100STAR-FLOWERED SOLOMON’S-SEAL(Smilacina stellata) 1 0-2 80

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 3 0-12 80GREEN NEEDLE GRASS(Stipa viridula) 2 0-4 60SEDGE

(Carex spp.) 3 1-5 80PARRY’S OATGRASS(Danthonia parryi) 4 0-10 60ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES



ELEVATION: 1463 (1372-1524)M

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SLOPE: 16(5-35)%





160

E11: Pl/Moss(Pinus contorta/Moss spp.)

n=6 This community type is similar to the previously described Pl/Pinegrass and Pl/White meadowsweetcommunities, but represents further succession. This community was described on moister sites, which probablyescaped fire and disturbance, allowing succession to occur. Continued succession in the absence of disturbance willlikely be to the Sw/Moss dominated community type. This community type is moderately productive for domesticlivestock. The higher moisture conditions favour the growth of fireweed and aster spp. These species are moderatelypalatable to livestock. This community type would be rated as secondary range for domestic livestock.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 2.7 (1.3-13.0) HA/AUM0.15(<0.04-0.3) AUM/AC


TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 4 0-19 50LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 42 13-69 100

SHRUBSWILLOW(Salix spp.) 2 0-5 67WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) T 0-1 50BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 2 0-5 50

FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 21 13-28 100FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)10 1-19 100LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 16 5-22 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 6 1-17 100WESTERN MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum occidentale) 3 0-6 83

GRASSES SEDGE(Carex spp.) 11 4-20 100VIRGINIA WILDRYE(Elymus virginicus) 8 2-14 100

MOSS 46 12-65 100




ELEVATION: 1742 (1707-1798)M

ASPECT: NORTHERLY

SLOPE: 1%

DRAINAGE: MODERATELY WELL




161

E12: Sw/Moss(Picea glauca/Moss spp.)

n=14 This community type is similar to the previously described Sw-Fd/White meadowsweet community, butrepresents further succession. This community was described on northerly aspects, which probably escaped fire anddisturbance, allowing succession to occur. Note as succession occurs there is a corresponding drop in forageproductivity from 500-600 kg/ha in the Pl community types to 201 kg/ha in this community type. This communitytype would be rated as non-use for domestic livestock.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE GENERALLY NON-USE9(4.5->10) HA/AUM

<0.04 AUM/AC


TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 63 10-90 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 3 0-20 34

SHRUBSPRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 2 0-4 75SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarposoccidentalis) 2 0-10 50

FORBSHEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 4 0-18 36VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 1 0-3 43SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 1 0-5 29TWINFLOWER(Linnaea borealis) 4 0-19 36WINTERGREEN(Pyrola asarifolia) 1 0-2 64

GRASSES SEDGE(Carex spp.) 1 0-10 29HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 1 0-5 57

MOSS 25 0-78 50



NUTRIENT REGIME: SUBMESOTROPHIC TO MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1407 (1330-1510)M

ASPECT: NORTHERLY

SLOPE:14(1-35)%





162

E12a: Sw/Horsetail(Picea glauca/Equisetum arvense)

n=4 This community type represents one of the wettest and most nutrient-rich forest conditions in the Montane.Seepage and high water tables can be expected. Nutrient levels are high resulting in high diversity in shrub and forblayers. Generally, there is little palatable forage for domestic livestock and this community type should be ratedas non-use.


3.8 HA/AUM OR 0.1 AUM/AC


TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 70 69-70 100BALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 4 0-10 50

SHRUBSPRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 2 1-3 100

FORBSHORSETAIL(Equisetum arvense) 33 20-40 100RICHARDSON’S GERANIUM(Geranium richardsonii) 6 1-10 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 2 1-3 100CANADA VIOLET(Viola canadensis) 8 0-30 25

GRASSES Marsh reedgrass(Calamagrostis canadensis)1 0-3 25

MOSS 25 20-78 100




ELEVATION: 1391(1385-1510)M

ASPECT: NORTHERLY

SLOPE:14(1-35)%





163

E12b: Sw/Silverberry/Horsetail(Picea glauca/Elaeagnus commutata/Equisetum arvense)

n=1 This community type was described by Thompson and Hansen (2002) on an old floodplain bar that was0.5 to 1.0 m above the current water table. The community represents succession to a Sw/Horsetail dominated type.As more sediment is deposited over the gravel it will favour the growth of horsetail over silverberry. Silverberryis common on gravelly river bars, but as the sediment increases and the drainage becomes poorer silverberry willdecline in cover. There is little forage available for domestic livestock in this community type and it should be ratedas non-use.




TREESBALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 20 - 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 30 - 100

SHRUBSSILVERBERRY(Elaeagnus commutata) 90 - 100BEBB WILLOW(Salix bebbiana) 10 - 100

FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 3 - 100FIELD HORSETAIL(Equisetum arvense) 40 - 100

GRASSESBALTIC RUSH(Juncus balticus) 20 - 100




ELEVATION: 1231 M

SLOPE: 0%

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



GRASS 100FORB 401SHRUB 52TOTAL 553 *ESTIMATE

164

E13: Pl/Thimbleberry(Pinus contorta/Rubus parviflorus)

n=5 Nutrient rich seepage occurs on this community type at some point in the growing season favouringthe growth of thimbleberry. On these sites thimbleberry is very common south of the Crowsnest Pass and isgenerally replaced by cow parsnip north of the Pass. Succession on these sites will be from aspen to pine andthen to white spruce. Forage productivity on these sites is generally quite high because of the favourablemoisture and nutrient conditions. Thimbleberry is generally unpalatable to livestock, but if the site has anabundance of cow parsnip it may be extensively utilized. This community type should be rated as secondaryrange.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 1.9(1.4-4.6) HA/AUM 0.21(.07-0.3) AUM/AC



SHRUBSTHIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 32 5-55 100WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 9 1-14 100

FORBSHEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 5 4-6 100LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 2 1-7 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 2 1-4 100FIELD HORSETAIL(Equisetum arvense) 6 0-15 40COW PARSNIP(Heracleum lanatum) 3 0-6 40

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)4 0-12 60BROME(Bromus vulgaris) 3 0-6 60




ELEVATION:1588 (1478-1680) M

SLOPE: 18(7-37)%

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




165

E14: Pl/Thimbleberry/Beargrass(Pinus contorta/Rubus parviflorus/Xerophyllum tenax)

n=1 This community type is very similar to the Pl/Thimbleberry community type previously described, butcontains a high cover of beargrass. Archibald et al. (1996) recognized these beargrass-dominated community typesin the extreme southern portion of the subregion. Beargrass is well suited to growing on hillsides and drysubalpine meadows and appears to indicate the transition from the lower Montane subregion to the upper Subalpinesubregion. The tender seed pods are often eaten by small rodents and elk. In the winter Mountain goats often eatthe leaves (Craighead et al. 1963). The tough leaves of beargrass are unpalatable to livestock.




TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 45 - 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 3 - 100

SHRUBSTHIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 34 - 100WILLOW(Salix spp.) 19 - 100WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 17 - 100

FORBSBEARGRASS(Xerophyllum tenax) 54 - 100GROUSEBERRY(Vaccinium scoparium) 23 - 100VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 9 - 100EARLY BLUE VIOLET(Viola adunca) 3 - 100WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 9 - 100

GRASSESBROME(Bromus vulgaris) 3 - 100


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBMESIC


ELEVATION: 1494 M

SLOPE: 15%

ASPECT: SOUTHWEST





166

E15: Pl/River alder-Thimbleberry(Pinus contorta/Alnus tenuifolia-Rubus parviflorus)

n=1 This community type is very similar to the previously described Pl/Thimbleberry andPl/Thimbleberry/Beargrass community types, but contains river alder. River alder tends to be found growing onnutrient seepage areas with high water tables. This community type is probably moister than the otherPl/Thimbleberry dominated types, but dries out at some time during the growing season which favours the growthof thimbleberry. The high cover of alder limits the light reaching the forest floor and results in low production ofgrass and forbs. The majority of the total production comes from alder which is unpalatable and generallyinaccessible to livestock. Consequently, this community type would be rated as non-use.




TREESBALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 1 - 100LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 10 - 100

SHRUBSRIVER ALDER(Alnus tenuifolia) 30 - 100THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 15 - 100GREEN ALDER(Alnus crispa) 10 - 100ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 10 - 100

FORBSDEWBERRY(Rubus pubescens) 10 - 100FIELD HORSETAIL(Equisetum arvense) 5 - 100LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 1 - 100

GRASSESMARSH REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis)2 - 100HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 1 - 100




ELEVATION: 1300 M

SLOPE: 12%

ASPECT: NORTH





167

E16: Sw/Thimbleberry(Picea glauca/Rubus parviflorus)

n=1 This community type is very similar to the Pl/Thimbleberry dominated community types previouslydescribed, but is successionally more advanced. Succession on the thimbleberry dominated ecosites will be fromaspen to pine and then to white spruce (Archibald et al. 1996). The northerly aspect of this particular communitytype has allowed the site to escape disturbance by fire and succession has occurred to white spruce. Note assuccession occurs there is a corresponding drop in forage productivity from 500-600 kg/ha in the Pl communitytypes to 250 kg/ha in this community type. This community type would be rated as non-use for domestic livestock.


7.3 HA/AUM OR <0.04 AUM/AC


TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 75 - 100

SHRUBSPRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 1 - 100THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 11 - 100WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 1 - 100

FORBSSHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 1 - 100TWINFLOWER(Linnaea borealis) 4 - 100HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 2 - 100

MOSSES 68 - 100




ELEVATION:1570M

SLOPE:10%

ASPECT: NORTH

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




168

E17: Sb-Lt/Labrador tea(Picea mariana-Larix laricina/Ledum groenlandicum)

n=1 This community type occurs in association with lowland boggy areas. The water table under this type hasbegun to drop which has allowed succession toward a white spruce-dominated community. Generally, black spruce-larch dominated communities are considered successionally mature because of poor drainage, acidic soils and low soilnutrients which prevent succession to white spruce. This community type is likely flooded in the spring, therefore, itmay provide a scource of water for livestock early in the year. However, due to poor access and the limited number ofpalatable plants available, this community type would be considered non-use.




TREESBLACK SPRUCE(Picea mariana) 20 - 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 20 - 100LARCH(Larix laricina) 5 - 100

SHRUBSLABRADOR TEA(Ledum groenlandicum) 10 - 100MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW(Salix myrtillifolia) 10 - 100

FORBSCOMMON BEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 5 - 100TWINFLOWER(Linnaea borealis) 5 - 100DWARF SCOURING RUSH(Equisetum scirpoides) 4 - 100COMMON HORSETAIL(Equisetum arvense) 3 - 100NORTHERN COMANDRA(Geocaulon lividum) 2 - 100

GRASSESSHEATHED SEDGE(Carex vaginata) 15 - 100HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 1 - 100



NUTRIENT REGIME : SUBMESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1220 M





169

E18: Se/Grouseberry/Moss(Picea engelmannii/Vaccinium scoparium/Moss)

n=1 This community represents a subalpine forested community type with mesic moisture regimes and mediumnutrient regimes. Subalpine fir, Englemann spruce, false azalea and grouseberry rarely occur at lower elevationsand therefore are characteristic of the subalpine environment. The Castle area of the province is unusual in thatthe subalpine forested communities can be found at lower montane elevations and the montane grasslands can befound at alpine and subalpine elevations. Clearly there is a strong overlap between the Montane and Subalpinesubregions of this area of the province. It is for this reason that the forested community types for the Castle areaare described in this guide.




TREESENGELMANN SPRUCE(Picea engelmannii) 26 - 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 21 - 100

SHRUBSTHIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 3 - 100FALSE AZALEA(Menziesia ferruginea) 3 - 100GROUSEBERRY(Vaccinium scoparium) 15 - 100

FORBSFIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)17 - 100WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 67 - 100YELLOW BEARDTONGUE(Penstemon confertus) 5 - 100SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 1 - 100

GRASSESNORTHERN REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis inexpansa)23 - 100SLENDER WHEATGRASS(Agropyron trachycaulum)10 - 100

MOSS 5 - 100




ELEVATION: 1530 M

ASPECT: EAST

SLOPE: 10%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




170

E19. Se/Moss(Picea engelmannii/Moss)

n=3 This community type is very similar to the previously described Se/Grouseberry community type, but lacksthe cover of grouseberry. Grouseberry is well adapted to growing at higher elevations in the subalpine and is verycommon at timberline between the subalpine and alpine environments (Willoughby 1999). The lack of grouseberryin this community type may indicate warmer sites than the previously described Se/Grouseberry community. Thiscommunity would be rated as non-use for domestic livestock.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATEGENERALLY NON-USE5.4(1.1-3.3) HA/AUM

<0.04 AUM/AC


TREESENGELMANN SPRUCE(Picea engelmannii) 57 43-66 100BALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 11 0-33 33SUBALPINE FIR(Abies lasiocarpa) 5 0-15 33

SHRUBSTHIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 5 0-8 67SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)15 0-42 67WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 1 0-3 67

FORBSVEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 5WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 1 0-3 67HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 10 0-29 67CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 1 1-1 100SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 4 0-11 67BUNCHBERRY(Cornus canadensis) 5 0-14 33

GRASSESTALL TRISETUM(Trisetum canescens) 3 0-9 33

MOSSES 18 2-44 100




ELEVATION: 1561(1433-1798)M

SLOPE: 21(5-37)%

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



GRASS 60(28-82)FORB 212( 56-356)SHRUB 62(0-108)TOTAL 334(162-546)

171

E20:Fa-Pl-Sw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass(Abies lasiocarpa-Pinus contorta-Picea glauca/Spiraea betulifolia/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=12 This community is indicative of the overlap between the Subalpine and Montane subregions of the Castlearea. The overstory is dominated by subalpine fir a species characteristic of the subalpine environment, but theunderstory is dominated by white meadowsweet and pinegrass species characteristic of the montane environment.This community type occupies submesic to mesic sites, on moderate slopes with variable aspects. Forageproductivity is moderate averaging 1200 kg/ha, but the majority of the understory vegetation is unpalatable. As aresult this community should be only rated as secondary range.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.5 (0.4-3.9)HA/AUM0.33(0.1-1.0) AUM/AC


TREESSUBALPINE FIR(Abies lasiocarpa) 33 0-70 92WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 25 3-50 100LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 20 0-75 83

SHRUBSSNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)7 0-30 92WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 6 0-25 83THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflora) 2 0-11 50FALSE AZALEA(Menziesii ferruginea) 3 0-14 33

FORBSFIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)3 0-9 83WESTERN MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum occidentale) 2 0-4 83WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 16 0-40 83CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3 0-6 75SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 2 0-6 67

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)14 0-41 83SEDGE(Carex spp.) 2 0-10 42


MOISTURE REGIME: MESIC TOSUBMESIC

NUTRIENT REGIME : MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1592 (1493-1981)M

SLOPE: 14(3-40)%

ASPECT: VARIABLE





172

E21: Fa-Se/Heart-leaved arnica(Abies lasiocarpa-Picea engelmannii/Arnica cordifolia)

n=3 This community type is very similar to the Se/Moss community previously described, but contains a highcover of subalpine fir. Succession in the subalpine is from lodgepole pine to Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir(Archibald et al. 1996). This community type appears to represent the climatic climax for sites with subalpineenvironments in the Castle area of the province. The northerly aspects of the three described sites probably allowedthem to escape the recent fire history and undergo succession. As these forested sites succeed towards climax thereis very little light reaching the forest floor. As a result, there is little forage for domestic livestock and this communitywould be rated as non-use

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE4.5(1.7->10) HA/AUM

0.1(<0.04-0.25) AUM/AC


TREESSUBALPINE FIR(Abies lasiocarpa) 55 25-80 100ENGELMANN SPRUCE(Picea engelmannii) 21 15-30 100

SHRUBSTHIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 2 0-4 33FALSE AZALEA(Menziesia ferruginea) 23 0-65 67GREEN ALDER(Alnus crispa) 11 0-33 33

FORBSHEART- LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 24 20-27 100VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 3ONE FLOWERED WINTERGREEN(Moneses uniflora) 2 0-2 67SUGARSCOOP(Tiarella unifoliata) 2 0-3 67

GRASSESSEDGE(Carex spp.) 2 0-3 67

MOSSES 10 0-22 67



NUTRIENT REGIME : MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1760(1740-1788)M

SLOPE: 25(21-30)%

ASPECT: NORTHERLY

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




173

E22: Se/Clover-Oxeye daisy(Picea engelmannii/Trifolium repens-Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)

n=1 This community type represents a forested community type that has been heavily utilized by livestock.The heavy utilization has allowed clover and oxeye daisy to invade into the understory. Once established oxeyedaisy is very invasive and difficult to control. The authors have seen whole fields taken over by this plant species.This plant is unpalatable to livestock so when invasion occurs there is a corresponding drop in forage production.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE3.8 HA/AUM OR 0.1 AUM/AC


TREESSUBALPINE FIR(Abies lasiocarpa) 12 - 100ENGELMANN SPRUCE(Picea engelmanii) 11 - 100

SHRUBSSASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 7 - 100WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 6 - 100THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflora) 4 - 100

FORBSOX-EYE DAISY(Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) 17 - 100CLOVER(Trifolium repens) 15 - 100TALL BILBERRY(Vaccinium myritillus) 7 - 100WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 3 - 100TWINFLOWER(Linnaea borealis) 4 - 100DANDELION(Taraxacum offincinale) 3 - 100

GRASSESSEDGE(Carex spp.) 4 - 100PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)4 - 100




ELEVATION: 1557 M

SLOPE: 9%

ASPECT: EAST

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



174

MONTANE SUBREGION

MIXEDWOOD COMMUNITY TYPES

Photo 9: This represents an Aw-Sw mixedwood community type. There is a good forage baseunder the aspen, however as the spruce cover increases productivity will decline.

175

Key to Mixedwood community type

1. Communities dominated by subalpine species such as Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir........ 2Communities do not have subalpine species, instead are dominated by Lodgepole pine, White spruces, and

Douglasfir......................................................................................................................... 42. Community is grazed as indicated by the presence of Timothy, Dandelion, Clover, Canada thistle, andKentucky bluegrass......................................................................................Aw-Fa-Se/Timothy f10

Snowberry dominates the understory................................................................................... 33. Subalpine fir dominates the overstory, and snowberry and Pinegrass dominate the understorey...........................................................................................................Aw-Fa/Snowberry/Pinegrass f8

Englemann spruce dominates the overstory. Sites are on moist north facing slopes at lower slope positionswhere seepage occurs in Spring and after heavy rainfalls................Spruce-Pb/Snowberry f114. Aspen, Balsam poplar, Lodgepole pine and White spruce dominated communities..................... 5

Aspen and Douglas fir dominated communities.................................................................... 13

5. Moist sites containing Balsam poplar.................................................................................... 6Drier sites dominated by Aspen, Lodgepole pine, and White spruce......................................... 7

6. Site found in moist, lower slope positions where seepage occurs in the spring or after heavy rainfall.Snowberry dominates the understory.........................................................Spruce-Pb/Snowberry f11

Site found in moist, lower slope positions where seepage occurs in the spring or after heavy rainfall.Pinegrass dominates the understory.............................................................Aw-Pb-Sw/Pinegrass f7

7. Snowberry dominates the understory. Sites are mesic with medium nutrient regimes.............................................. ..................................................Pl-Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass f9

Dwarf scouring rush, Blueberry, Yellow mountain avens, Pinegrass, Marsh reedgrass, or Buffaloberry,Hairy wildrye dominate the understory....................................................................................... 8

8. Dwarf scouring rush dominates the understory. Site occurs at moist, nutrient rich, lower slope positions,representing the wettest and most rich conditions in the Montane subregion...Sw-Aw/Scouring rush f12

Blueberry, Yellow mountain avens, Pinegrass, Marsh reedgrass, or Buffaloberry, Hairy wildrye dominatethe understory......................................................................................................................... 9

9. Blueberry dominates the understorey.........................................................Aw-Sw/blueberry f5Yellow mountain avens, Pinegrass, Marsh reedgrass, or Buffaloberry, Hairy wildrye dominate the

understory ............................................................................................................................. 10

10. Yellow mountain avens dominate the understory (gravelly river and creek flood plains)...................................................................................................................Sw-Pl-Pb/Yellow Mtn. avens f2

Pinegrass, Marsh reedgrass, or Buffaloberry, Hairy wildrye dominate the understory................. 1111. Pinegrass dominates the understory.............................................................Aw-Pl/Pinegrass f4

Marsh reedgrass, or Buffaloberry, Hairy wildrye dominate the understory................................ 1212. Marsh reedgrass dominates the understory........................................Aw-Pl/Marsh reedgrass f8a

Buffaloberry, Hairy wildrye dominate the understory.........Aw-Pl/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye f313. Moister sites(dominated by white meadowsweet, or pinegrass)............................................... 14

Drier sites. Dominated by Bearberry...........................................................Aw-Fd/Bearberry f114. White meadowsweet dominates the understory...........................Aw-Fd/White meadowsweet f6

Pinegrass dominates the understory....................................................................Fd-Aw/Pinegrass f4a

176

F1: Aw-Fd/Bearberry(Populus tremuloides-Pseudotsuga menziesii/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

n=2 This community represents an aspen dominated community type that is undergoing succession to douglasfir. It is part of the bearberry ecosite described by Archibald et al. (1996). This ecosite occupies dry upper slopepositions with south exposures and coarse textured soils. Forage production on this site will be low because of thedry site conditions and livestock will have a difficulty accessing the upper slope position. This community shouldbe rated as secondary range

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE



TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 28 20-32 100DOUGLAS-FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 22 21-22 100

SHRUBSSASKATOON (Amelanchier alnifolia) 6 3-8 100CREEPING JUNIPER(Juniperus horizontalis) 6 0-12 50BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 3 2-3 100

FORBSBEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 48 43-52 100COMMON YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 2 1-3 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 6 3-9 100CUT-LEAVED ANEMONE(Anemone multifida) 2 1-2 100

GRASSESSEDGE(Carex spp.) 6 1-9 100SLENDER WHEAT GRASS(Agropyron trachycaulum)2 0-3 100PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)6 1-9 100ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 9 1-16 100



NUTRIENT REGIME: SUBMESOTROPHIC-MESOTROPHIC

ELEVATION: 1653(1645-1661) M


SLOPE: 12(10-15)%

ASPECT: SOUTHERLY



177

F2: Sw-Pl-Pb/Yellow Mtn. avens(Picea glauca-Pinus contorta-Populus balsamifera/Dryas drummondii)

n=1 This community is typical of dry, gravelly river flats with nutrient poor soils. It is similar to the Yellow Mtn.avens /Junegrass community type previously described, but this community type is successionally more advanced. Thepoor soil conditions limits the forage productivity and amount of regrowth after grazing. This community type shouldbe rated as non-use.




TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 39 - 100LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 20 - 100BALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 17 - 100

SHRUBSBUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 4 - 100PRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 1 - 100

FORBSYELLOW MTN. AVENS(Dryas drummondii) 12 - 100SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 7 - 100LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 3 - 100SHOWY LOCOWEED(Oxytropis splendens) 2 - 100

GRASSESCANADA BLUEGRASS(Poa compressa) 1 - 100




ELEVATION: 1547 M

SLOPE: 1%

ASPECT: NORTH





178

F3: Aw-Pl/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye(Populus tremuloides-Pinus contorta/Shepherdia canadensis/Elymus innovatus)

n=1 This community occurs on submesic, well drained, south and west-facing slopes. It is very similar to thePl/Buffaloberry/Pinegrass community type previously described, but is in an earlier successional stage. The forageproductivity on this community is only moderate and should be rated as secondary range.




TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 43 - 100LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 21 - 100

SHRUBSSNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)12 - 100SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 1 - 100CANADA BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 15 - 100

FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 9 - 100CREEPING MAHONIA(Berberis repens) 6 - 100YELLOW PEAVINE(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2 - 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 2 - 100

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 20 - 100PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)14 - 100




ELEVATION: 1608 M

ASPECT: SOUTH

SLOPE: 7%





179

F4: Aw-Pl/Pinegrass(Populus tremuloides-Pinus contorta/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=1 This community type is dominated by an overstory of aspen and lodgepole pine, and represents the midsuccessional stage between an Aw/Pinegrass and Pl/Pinegrass dominated community type. Pinegrass is generallyunpalatable to livestock, but if grazed early in the spring they will utilize it as a forage source. The forageproductivity of this community type is midway between the aspen dominated community (1278 kg/ha) and the pinedominated community (598 kg/ha). This community would be rated as secondary range.


PLANT COMPOSITION CANOPY COVER (%)MEAN RANGE COSNT.

TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 40 - 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 40 - 100

SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 2 - 100

FORBSTWINFLOWER(Linnaea borealis) 25 - 100WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 16 - 100LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 14 - 100RICHARDSON’S GERANIUM(Geranium richardsonii) 12 - 100CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 6 - 100

GRASSESPINE GRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)38 - 100FRINGED BROME(Bromus ciliatus) 13 - 100SLENDER WHEATGRASS(Agropyron trachycaulum) 3 - 100




ELEVATION RANGE: 1554 M

SOIL DRAINAGE: MOD.WELL




180

F4a: Fd-Aw/Pinegrass(Pseudotsuga menziesii-Populus tremuloides/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=4 This community type is dominated by an overstory of aspen and Douglas fir, and represents the midsuccessional stage between an Aw/Pinegrass and Fd dominated community types. Pinegrass is generallyunpalatable to livestock, but if grazed early in the spring they will utilize it as a forage source. The forageproductivity of this community type is midway between the aspen dominated community and the Douglas firdominated communities . This community would be rated as secondary range.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.5 (1.3-1.7)HA/AUM

0.26(0.24-0.31) AUM/AC


TREESDOUGLAS FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 25 20-40 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 31 20-40 100

SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 4 1-10 100

FORBSMOUNTAIN DANDELION(Agoseris glauca) 1 0-4 75WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 5 3-7 100AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 1 1-2 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 2 1-4 100CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2 1-3 100

GRASSESPINE GRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)21 15-28 100HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 8 0-16 75SEDGE(Carex spp.) 1 0-2 75


MOISTURE REGIME: MESIC TO SUBMESIC


ELEVATION RANGE: 1562(1433-1646)M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELLSLOPE: 5(0-10%)ASPECT: SOUTHEAST




181

F5: Aw-Sw/Blueberry(Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca/Vaccinium spp.)

n=2 This community represents the mid successional stage of a Sw/Moss dominated community type. Thespruce dominated community types usually occupy lower slope positions with northerly aspects. These sites haveescaped the recent fire history in the Montane and have succeeded to white spruce the climax species. There is verylittle growth of forbs and grass in this community type and should be rated as non-use for domestic livestock.




TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 36 12-40 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 33 30-35 100

SHRUBSTALL BILBERRY(Vaccinium membranaceum)6 0-11 50SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis)4 0-8 50

FORBSWESTERN MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum occidentale) 4 0-6 50WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 8 6-10 100AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 1 0-1 50NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreale) 1 0-1 50CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2 2 100

GRASSESPINE GRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)3 0-5 50MELIC GRASS(Melica smithii) 12 0-24 50VIRGINIA WILDRYE(Elymus virginicus) 5 0-9 50





ASPECT: NORTHERLY

SLOPE: 2%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




182

F6: Aw-Fd/White meadowsweet (Populus tremuloides-Pseudotsuga menziesii/Spiraea betulifolia)

n=1 This community type represents an intermediate stage of succession between the Sw-Fd/White meadowsweetand Aw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass dominated community types. White meadowsweet is indicative of sites withmesic moisture and medium nutrient regimes (Archibald et al. 1996). When this community succeeds to a coniferdominated type there will be insufficient forage for domestic livestock. Presently, with the high aspen cover there willbe a moderate forage base and this community type should be rated as secondary range.



TREESDOUGLAS FIR(Pseudotsuga menziesii) 40 - 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 36 - 100

SHRUBSWHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 19 - 100DWARF BILBERRY(Vaccinium caespitosum) 2 - 100PRICKLY ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 1 - 100FORBSSHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 5 - 100GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla gracilis) 2 - 100LINDLEY'S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 1 - 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 6 - 100

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)4 - 100HAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 1 - 100




ELEVATION: 1593 M

ASPECT: SOUTH

SLOPE: 20%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



TOTAL 800 KG/HA*

(*ESTIMATED)

183

F7: Aw-Pb-Sw/Pinegrass(Populus tremuloides-Populus balsamifera-Picea glauca/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=1 This community type occurs on moist, lower slope positions where seepage occurs in the spring or afterheavy rainfall. Succession will be to a spruce dominated forest. The high tree cover limits the light reaching theforest floor. Consequently, only a moderate amount of forage is produced for domestic livestock.


PLANT COMPOSITION CANOPY COVER (%)MEAN RANGE CONST

TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 25 - 100BALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 15 - 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 15 - 100

SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 2 - 100WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 4 - 100FORBSWILD WHITE GERANIUM(Geranium richardsoni) 11 - 100VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 5 - 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 7 - 100TALL LUNGWORT(Mertensia paniculata) 5 - 100CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 1 - 100

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)8 - 100HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 8 - 100




ELEVATION: 1372 M

ASPECT: WEST

SLOPE: 8%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




184

F8: Aw-Fa/Snowberry/Pinegrass(Populus tremuloides-Abies lasiocarpa/Symphoricarpos albus/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=1 This community is very similar to the Fa-Pl-Sw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass previously described. Thiscommunity was described in the Castle area and is indicative of the overlap between the Subalpine and Montanesubregions. The overstory has a high cover of subalpine fir a species characteristic of the subalpine environment, butthe understory is dominated by snowberry and pinegrass species characteristic of the montane environment. Theforage productivity of this community type is moderate, but the majority of production is coming from snowberrywhich is generally unpalatable to livestock. This community should be rated as secondary range.



TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 6 - 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 48 - 100SUBALPINE FIR(Abies lasiocarpa) 10 - 100

SHRUBSSNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos albus) 59 - 100SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 5 - 100WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 1 - 100

FORBSCREEPING MAHONIA(Berberis repens) 25 - 100WESTERN MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum occidentalis) 6 - 100WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 6 - 100LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster laevis) 5 - 100

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)16 - 100




ELEVATION RANGE: 1460M


SLOPE: 9%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




185

F8a: Aw-Pl/Marsh reedgrass(Populus tremuloides-Pinus contorta/Calamagrostis canadensis)

n=1 This community is very similar to the Aw-Pb/Marsh reedgrass community described which is found in moistlower slope positions throughout the Porcupine Hills. This community type is successional more advanced than theaspen, balsam poplar dominated community type. Continued succession in the absence of disturbance will be to whitespruce. The forage productivity of this community type is moderate, but the majority of production is coming frompinegrass which is generally only palatable to livestock early in the spring. This community should be rated assecondary range.


0.29(0.21-0.37) AUM/AC


TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 20 - 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 50 - 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 5 - 100

SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 4 - 100DWARF BILBERRY(Vaccinium caespitosum) 13 - 100

FORBSCREAM COLORED VETCHLING(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 10 - 100TALL LUNGWORT(Mertensia paniculata) 6 - 100WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 4 - 100LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster laevis) 19 - 100

GRASSESMARSH REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis)17 - 100FRINGED BROME(Bromus cilatus) 2 - 100




ELEVATION RANGE: 1523(1448-1645)M

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SLOPE: 0-1%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELLTO MOD. WELL



FORB 215(0-646)GRASS 1120 (938-1342)TOTAL 1336 (938-1728)

186

F9: Pl-Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass(Pinus contorta-Populus tremuloides/Symphoricarpos occidentalis/Poa pratensis)

n=1 This community type represents an earlier successional stage of the Pl/White meadowsweet and Pl/Pinegrasscommunity types. These communities occupy mesic sites with medium nutrient regimes (Archibald et al. 1996). Itappears that this community type was grazed heavily in the past and then rested. Willoughby (1995) found that aspenstands that have been heavily grazed for prolonged periods have a low cover of native shrubs, forbs and grass species anda high cover of Kentucky bluegrass, clover and dandelion. This community has a high cover of Kentucky bluegrass, butit also has a high cover of native shrubs, forbs and grass, which may indicate that it has been grazed heavily to the pointof Kentucky bluegrass invasion and then rested allowing recovery of the native species. This community is veryproductive for domestic livestock, but Kentucky bluegrass provides a poor source of forage for wintering wildlife.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.8 (1.2-3.5)HA/AUM 0.2(0.11-0.34) AUM/AC


TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 30 - 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 15 - 100SHRUBSSNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 34 - 100WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 14 - 100THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflora) 14 - 100GROUND JUNIPER(Juniperus communis) 5 - 100FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 12 - 100STICKY PURPLE GERANIUM(Geranium viscosissimum)8 - 100SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 6 - 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 5 - 100AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 4 - 100GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 21 - 100PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)14 - 100TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 5 - 100




SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL

ASPECT: WEST

SLOPE: 26%




187

F10: Aw-Fa-Se/Timothy(Populus tremuloides-Abies lasiocarpa-Picea engelmannii/Phleum pratense)

n=2 This community was described in the Castle area of the province and if left undisturbed would have likelysucceeded to a Fa-Se/Heart lv’d arnica-dominated community type. Heavy grazing pressure has shifted theunderstory away from native species and allowed dandelion, clover, Canada thistle, timothy and Kentucky bluegrassto establish on the site. This change in species composition with increased grazing pressure is similar to work doneby Willoughby (1995). The invasion of non-native species onto this site makes this community very productivefor domestic livestock, but the presence of overgrazed communities indicates some type of distribution problem andthe management of the disposition should be discussed with the permitees.



TREESENGELMANN SPRUCE(Picea engelmannii) 5 0-10 50SUBALPINE FIR(Abies lasiocarpa) 5 0-10 50ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 84 15-95 100

SHRUBSSNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis,S. albus) 12 9-14 100FORBSWILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 13 5-21 100DANDELION(Taraxacum offincinale) 33 17-49 100WILD WHITE GERANIUM(Geranium richardsonii) 24 1-47 100SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 11 1-21 100CANADA THISTLE(Cirsium arvense) 5 3-6 100CLOVER(Trifolium repens) 20 0-40 50GRASSESTIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 25 12-36 100KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 11 0-21 50MOUNTAIN BROME(Bromus carinatus) 7 1-13 100SLENDER WHEAT GRASS(Agropyron trachycaulum)3 0-6 100




ELEVATION: 1402(1370-1434)M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




188

F11: Spruce-Pb/Snowberry(Picea glauca, P. engelmannii-Populus balsamifera/Symphoricarpos occidentalis)

n=3 Archibald et al. (1996) described a similar Pb/Snowberry-dominated community on moist lower slopepositions where seepage occurs in the spring and after heavy rainfalls. They felt succession would be to white spruce.This community is successionally more advanced than the Pb/Snowberry dominated community type. Likely thenortherly aspects of the 3 stands described allowed this community to escape the extensive fire history in the area.The high canopy cover of trees and shrubs limits the amount of light reaching the forest floor and therefore there isonly moderate amounts of forage available for domestic livestock. This community type would be rated as secondaryrange.



TREESSUBALPINE FIR(Abies lasiocarpa) 4 0-10 33ENGELMANN SPRUCE(Picea engelmannii) 15 0-45 33BALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 16 0-15 66WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 5 0-10 66SHRUBSTHIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 1 0-1 33SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalisS. albus) 9 0-16 66WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 1 0-2 66FORBSFIELD HORSETAIL(Equisetum arvense) 8 1-15 100LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 6 2-9 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 4 3-5 100CANADA VIOLET(Viola canadensis) 3 1-5 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 2 1-4 100NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreale) 2 1-6 100GRASSESMARSH REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis)7 0-13 66




ELEVATION: 1507(1455-1554)M

ASPECT: NORTHERLY

SLOPE: 2(0-7)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




189

F12: Sw-Aw/Scouring rush(Picea glauca-Populus tremuloides/Equisetum scirpoides)

n=1 This community occupies moist, nutrient rich, lower slope positions. This community is very similar to theSw/Horsetail community described by Archibald et al. (1996). Archibald et al. felt that the ecosite representing thiscommunity represented the wettest and most nutrient rich conditions for the Montane subregion. They felt balsam poplarwas the pioneer species on this ecosite and that succession would be to white spruce. The high tree cover limits the lightreaching the forest floor. Consequently, there is little forage available for domestic livestock. This community shouldbe rated as non-use.




TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 15 - 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 60 - 100BALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 10 - 100

SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 3 - 100

FORBSDANDELION(Taraxacum offincinale) 4 - 100DWARF SCOURING RUSH(Equisetum scirpoides) 20 - 100LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 4 - 100AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 1 - 100

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 7 - 100HAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 5 - 100




ELEVATION: 1494 M

SLOPE: 1%

ASPECT: SOUTHEAST




TOTAL 800 KG/HA*

(*ESTIMATED)

190

MONTANE SUBREGION

DECIDUOUS COMMUNITY TYPES

Photo 10: This Aw/Cow parsnip community type is typical of moist, nutrient-rich seepage areasnorth of the Crowsnest Pass. South of the pass cow parsnip is often replaced by thimbleberry.

191

Key to Deciduous community types

1. Site is wet with Balsam poplar dominating the overstory.......................................................................................... 2Drier sites with Aspen dominating the overstory....................................................................................................... 5

2. Marsh reedgrass dominates the understory. Site is in the lower slope position where it receives some nutrient rich seepageduring the growing season. Community type is generally found north of the Porcupine Hills on North or Easterlyaspects.......................................................................................................................................Aw-Pb/Marsh reedgrass g9a

Richer sites with more moisture dominated by Thimbleberry, Cow parsnip, or Snowberry in the understory. Sites alsofound at lower slope positions and receive nutrient seepage at some point in the year..................................................... 33. Site is moist as indicated by Thimbleberry in the understory and Balsam poplar dominating the overstory. Community typedescribed at higher subalpine elevations near Waterton Lakes Park....................................................Pb/Thimbleberry g12

Cow parsnip, or Snowberry dominates the understory.............................................................................................. 44. Site is similar to Pb/Timothy but subhygric with Cow parsnip dominating the understory and was described North of theCrowsnest pass....................................................................................................Pb/Cow parsnip/Kentucky bluegrass g13

Snowberry dominates the understorey................................................................Pb/Snowberry/K. bluegrass g145. Dry sites found on upper slope positions and hilltops dominated by Bearberry and Rough fescue......................................................................................................................................................................Aw/Bearberry/Rough fescue g1

Mesic to wet sites....................................................................................................................................................... 66. Mesic sites dominated by White meadowsweet, Pinegrass, Hairy wildrye, or Snowberry and includes grazed sites withKentucky bluegrass, timothy and dandelion...................................................................................................................... 7

Wet sites and moist seeps, Willow, Birch, Thimbleberry, Cow parsnip dominated.................................................. 157. Grazed sites dominated by Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy and Dandelion................................................................. 8

Ungrazed sites where White meadowsweet, Pinegrass, Hairy wildrye, Snowberry, Rose, Saskatoon, dominate theunderstory........................................................................................................................................................................... 108. Snowberry and Kentucky bluegrass dominated. A heavily grazed site that has been rested enough that some native species have recovered.......................................................................................................Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass g9

Timothy or Pinegrass dominant with Kentucky bluegrass......................................................................................... 99. Timothy and Kentucky bluegrass dominated. Site has been heavily grazed recently, and not rested enough to allow the re-establishment of native vegetation.............................................................................Aw/Timothy-Kentucky bluegrass g7

Pinegrass and Kentucky bluegrass dominated. Site had been grazed heavily and rested resulting in re-establishment of somenative species...........................................................................................................Aw/Pinegrass-Kentucky bluegrass g610. Drier sites with poorer nutrient regimes(hairy wildrye dominates understory)........................................................ 11

Wetter more nutrient rich sites................................................................................................................................... 1211. Site is found in the Ya Ha Tinda area and has insignificant or no shrub layer. Hairy wildrye is the dominantgrass.....................................................................................................................................................Aw/Hairy wildrye g3

Site has a shrub layer of Rose.............................................................................................Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye g212. Site is rich with Snowberry and/or Saskatoon as the dominant shrubs...................................................................... 13

Site is not so rich and is dominated by White meadowsweet and Pinegrass............................................................... 1413. Snowberry is dominant..................................................................................Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass g9

Saskatoon and Snowberry are dominant........................................................................Aw/Snowberry-Saskatoon g814. Site contains White meadowsweet..................................................................Aw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass g4

Site dominated by Pinegrass, no White meadowsweet..............................................................Aw/Rose/Pinegrass g5

15. Site found in a riparian zone.........................................................................................................Aw/Birch-Willow g15Site is a nutrient rich seep at some point in the year, not in riparian zone................................................................ 16

16. Nutrient rich seepage area south of the Crowsnest Pass..............................................................Aw/Thimbleberry g10 Nutrient rich seepage area north of the Crowsnest Pass..................................................................Aw/Cow parsnip g11

192

G1: Aw/Bearberry/Rough fescue(Populus tremuloides/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/Festuca scabrella)

n=8 This community type occupies dry, upper slope and hilltop positions and represents the invasion of aspenonto a Rough fescue-Sedge/Bearberry-dominated community type. The soils on this community type are fairly welldeveloped and the moisture conditions are high enough to favour the growth of aspen. In years of drought aspenwill likely die back in this community type. Frequent fire also tends to control the spread of aspen onto these roughfescue dominated grasslands. The lack of fire in the last 50 years has allowed many of these grasslands to beinvaded by aspen. Invasion of aspen causes a 50% decline in forage productivity and a loss in soil productivity.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE2.0 (1.8-2.6) HA/AUM 0.2(0.15-0.2) AUM/AC



SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 1 0-6 38ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 3 0-15 50SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos albus) 2 0-9 25

FORBSBEARBERRY(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 19 1-37 100LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 6 0-14 75STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 8 1-19 100STICKY PURPLE GERANIUM(Geranium viscosissimum)5 0-16 75

GRASSESROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 9 0-15 75PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)20 0-57 88IDAHO FESCUE(Festuca idahoensis) 3 0-12 50HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 5 0-19 75




ELEVATION: 1495(1420-1570) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL

SLOPE: 7(0-15)%

ASPECT: SOUTH




193

G2: Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye(Populus tremuloides/Rosa acicularis/Elymus innovatus)

n=5 This community type occurs on submesic, well drained, south and west-facing slopes. It is situated in slightlylower slope positions and therefore has better developed soils than the limber pine and bearberry-dominated communitytypes previously described. Archibald et al. (1996) described this community type as being part of the Canadabuffaloberry-hairy wildrye ecosite. They felt this ecosite to be relatively dry for the subregion, but not as dry as thelimber pine and bearberry ecosites. Succession on this site will likely be to the Pl/Buffaloberry/Pinegrass or Fd/Hairywildrye-dominated community types previously described. This community type has a moderate amount of forage fordomestic livestock. It should be rated as secondary range.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.5 (1.2-4.4) HA/AUM0.3(0.1-0.35) AUM/AC



SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 14 4-40 100SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 1 0-1 40SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 2 0-3 60

FORBSLINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 5 1-11 100WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 12 3-29 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 4 1-8 100YELLOW PEAVINE(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 4 1-8 100FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)2 0-8 60

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 25 16-37 100ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 2 0-4 60PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)4 0-12 60




ELEVATION :1589 (1350-2270) M

SLOPE: 4(0-10)%

ASPECT: SOUTHERLY





194

G3: Aw/Hairy wildrye(Populus tremuloides/Elymus innovatus)

n=1 This community type occurs on submesic, well drained, south and west-facing slopes within the Ya HaTinda area. It occurs in areas of the grasslands where moisture is sufficient to grow trees. Beckingham et al. (1996)described this community type as being part of the hairy wildrye ecosite. They felt this ecosite to be relatively dryfor the subregion, but not as dry as the bearberry and grassland ecosites. Succession on this site will likely be to thePl/Hairy wildrye or Sw/Hairy wildrye-dominated community types previously described. This community type hasa high amount of forage because of the increased moisture. In the winter elk often occupy these sites as beddingareas during the day. The southerly and westerly aspect increases solar gains and the trees provide a degree ofsecurity.



TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 35 - 100

SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL(Potentilla fruticosa) 1 - 100

FORBSAMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 6 - 100WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 18 - 100YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 5 - 100YELLOW PEAVINE(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2 - 100NORTHERN BEDSTRAw(Galium boreale) 3 - 100

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 22 - 100ROUGH FESCUE(Festuca scabrella) 4 - 100TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 4 - 100FRINGED BROME(Bromus ciliatus) 4 - 100

ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLESMOISTURE REGIME :

SUBMESIC


ELEVATION:1700 M

SLOPE: 10%

ASPECT: SOUTHERLY

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




195

G4: Aw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass(Populus tremuloides/Spiraea betulifolia/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=16 This community is one of several community types which represent the mesic/medium ecosite for theMontane subregion. These sites can be dominated by Douglas fir, white spruce, aspen or lodgepole pine. Theunderstory can be dominated by white meadowsweet, pinegrass or feather moss depending upon the successionalstatus of the stand. In the vicinity of the Crowsnest Pass creeping mahonia is also common on these sites (Archibaldet al. 1996). White meadowsweet is well adapted to growing on dry rocky slopes (MacKinnon et al. 1992). Thepresence of a high cover of white meadowsweet may indicate slightly drier conditions and shallower soils than acommunity dominated by pinegrass. Because this community type is in an early successional stage it produces amoderate amount of forage for domestic livestock and should be considered secondary range.



TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 45 25-74 100LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 2 0-15 31SHRUBSWHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 20 10-39 100ROSE(Rosa acicularis.) 4 0-11 94DWARF BILBERRY(Vaccinium caespitosum) 2 0-14 25SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1 0-2 25CANADA BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) T 0-2 25FORBSSHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 9 1-23 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 6 1-15 100NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreale) 2 1-3 100YELLOW PEAVINE(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 7 0-14 94GRASSEsHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 4 0-15 63SEDGE(Carex spp.) 1 0-5 30PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)23 8-51 100




ELEVATION RANGE (MEAN): 1568(1460-1676) M

ASPECT: SOUTH TO WEST

SLOPE: 9(0-25)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL TO MOD. WELLECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 18FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)


196

G5: Aw/Rose/Pinegrass(Populus tremuloides/Rosa acicularis/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=35 This community, dominated by a aspen overstory and an understory of pinegrass, and represents an earliersuccessional stage of the Pl/Pinegrass community type. This community is also very similar to the previouslydescribed Aw/White meadowsweet/Pinegrass community type, but the high cover of pinegrass and low cover ofwhite meadowsweet may indicate slightly moister, better developed soils. Pinegrass is generally unpalatable tolivestock, but if it is grazed early in the spring they will utilize it as a forage source. The forage productivity ofthis community type is moderate. As a result, this community should be rated as secondary range.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 1.3 (1.0-4.4) HA/AUM0.3(0.1-0.4) AUM/AC


TREESBALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 2 0-35 14ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 47 3-70 100

SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 8 0-22 85WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 1 0-12 35SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 1 0-2 53

FORBSYELLOW PEAVINE(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 5 0-11 91NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreale) 2 0-4 97STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 9 0-20 97AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 4 0-8 91LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 7 0-25 82SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 5 0-31 67GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)18 0-51 94HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 6 0-23 82


MOISTURE REGIME : SUBMESIC TOMESIC


ELEVATION RANGE: 1532(1360-1710)

ASPECT: SOUTHERLY

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL

SLOPE: 11(0-15)%




197

G6: Aw/Pinegrass-Kentucky bluegrass(Populus tremuloides/Calamagrostis rubescens-Poa pratensis)

n=7 This community type is very similar to the previously described Aw/Rose/Pinegrass community, but hasbeen grazed by livestock. It appears that this community type was grazed heavily in the past and then rested. Willoughby (1995) found that aspen stands that have been heavily grazed for prolonged periods have a low coverof native shrubs, forbs and grass species and a high cover of Kentucky bluegrass, clover and dandelion. Thiscommunity has a high cover of Kentucky bluegrass, but it also has a high cover of native shrubs, forbs and grass,which may indicate that it has been grazed heavily to the point of Kentucky bluegrass invasion and then restedallowing recovery of the native species. This community is very productive for domestic livestock, but Kentuckybluegrass provides a poor source of forage for wintering wildlife.




SHRUBSWILD RED RASPBERRY(Rubus idaeus) 9 1-26 100ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 12 1-25 100

FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 8 1-15 100SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 2 0-7 29DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 6 2-11 100WILD WHITE GERANIUM(Geranium richardsonii) 6 0-19 86YELLOW PEAVINE(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 4 1-7 100

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)11 2-28 100HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 1 0-5 57KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 12 0-27 86TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 4 0-11 71




ELEVATION: 1489(1432-1600) M

ASPECT: SOUTHERLY

SLOPE: 13(5-20)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




198

G7: Aw/Timothy-Kentucky bluegrass(Populus tremuloides/Phleum pratense-Poa pratensis)

n=13 This community is similar to the Aw/Rose/Pinegrass community, but heavy grazing pressure has shiftedthe understory away from native species and allowed dandelion, clover, timothy and Kentucky bluegrass toestablish on the site. This change in species composition with increased grazing pressure is similar to work doneby Willoughby (1995). The invasion of non-native species onto this site makes this community very productivefor domestic livestock, but the presence of overgrazed communities indicates some type of distribution problemand the management of the disposition should be discussed with the permittees.



TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 65 40-80 100SHRUBSSASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 6 0-20 76SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarposoccidentalis) 4 0-9 75ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 7 0-20 69FORBSDANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 6 0-39 85WILD BERGAMONT(Monarda fistulosa) 1 0-11 31STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 4 0-10 92WILD WHITE GERANIUM(Geranium richardsonii) 2 0-11 69CLOVER(Trifolium hybridum) 2 0-20 23

GRASSESTIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 13 1-41 100KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 5 0-26 55SMOOTH BROME(Bromus inermis) 2 0-14 39




ELEVATION: 1395(1250-1536)M

ASPECT: SOUTHERLY

SLOPE: 8(0-20)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




199

G8: Aw/Snowberry-Saskatoon(Populus tremuloides/Symphoricarpos occidentalis(S.albus)-Amelanchier alnifolia)

n=11 This community is one of several community types which represent the mesic/rich ecosite for the Montanesubregion (Archibald et al. 1996). These sites can be dominated by white spruce, aspen or lodgepole pine. The understorycan be dominated by thimbleberry, snowberry, saskatoon or pinegrass. Succession of this community type will likelybe to white spruce. The Aw/Thimbleberry dominated community type is probably moister and slightly richer than thiscommunity type. Forage production on the aspen phase of this ecosite can be quite high averaging 1278 kg/ha. Thismakes these community types moderately productive for domestic livestock and should be rated as secondary range.


0..25(0.1-0.35) AUM/AC



SHRUBSSASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 13 0-28 82SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis, S. albus) 32 2-97 100WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 4 0-19 36ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 4 0-9 73FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 5 1-15 91LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 4 0-19 64YELLOW PEAVINE(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3 0-8 82SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 2 0-10 45CANADA VIOLET(Viola canadensis) 4 0-13 54COW PARSNIP(Heracleum lanatum) 6 0-10 45GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 2 0-6 45PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)3 0-14 73KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 2 0-6 64


MOISTURE REGIME: MESIC-SUBHYGRICNUTRIENT REGIME: MESOTROPHIC To

PERMESOTROPHICELEVATION RANGE : 1486(1370-1680) MASPECT: SOUTH TO EASTSLOPE: 21(0-35)%SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL TO MOD. WELLECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 18FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)


200

G9: Aw/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass(Populus tremuloides/Symphoricarpos albus/Poa pratensis)

n=2 This community type is very similar to the previously described Aw/Snowberry-Saskatoon community,but has been grazed by livestock. It appears that this community type was grazed heavily in the past and thenrested. Willoughby (1995) found that aspen stands that have been heavily grazed for prolonged periods have a lowcover of native shrubs, forbs and grass species and a high cover of Kentucky bluegrass, clover and dandelion. Thiscommunity has a high cover of Kentucky bluegrass, but it also has a high cover of native shrubs, forbs and grass,which may indicate that it has been grazed heavily to the point of Kentucky bluegrass invasion and then restedallowing recovery of the native species. This community is very productive for domestic livestock, but Kentuckybluegrass provides a poor source of forage for wintering wildlife.



TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 64 50-78 100WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 3 2-3 100SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 6 3-7 100RED TWINBERRY(Lonicera utahensis) 2 0-4 50SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 1 0-2 50SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos albus) 21 16-24 100FORBSCREEPING MAHONIA(Berberis repens) 12 7-17 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 7 1-12 100YELLOW PEAVINE(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2 1-3 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 2 1-2 100VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 4 0-7 50GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 24 17-34 100MOUNTAIN BROME(Bromus carinatus) 8 0-16 50ONION GRASS(Melica spectabilis) 5 0-9 50





ELEVATION: 1414(1372-1457)M

ASPECT: SOUTHERLY

SLOPE: 3(2-4)%




201

G9a: Aw-Pb/Marsh reedgrass(Populus tremuloides-P.balsamifera/Calamagrostis canadensis)

n=8 This community type was described on lower slope positions where some nutrient rich seepage occursduring the growing season. It is generally found north of the Porcupine Hills in areas that have north and easterlyaspects. Marsh reedgrass is not common in the Montane subregion and the presence of this grass species mayindicate that the climate is closer to the Lower Foothills or Subalpine subregion. This community type has a lowshrub cover and extensive cover of grass which makes it fairly attractive to livestock. Often these community typesare heavily utilized.



TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 43 20-60 100BALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 9 0-25 38SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 1 0-2 63SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 2 0-15 13

FORBSFIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)7 1-14 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 5 1-9 100YELLOW PEAVINE(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 4 0-10 63STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 4 1-8 100VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 6 0-18 63WILD WHITE GERANIUM(Geranium richardsonii) 12 0-27 88GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 3 0-16 63MARSH REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis canadensis)20 10-38 100FRINGED BROME(Bromus cilatus) 3 0-7 75




SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL

ELEVATION: 1494(1417-1570)M

ASPECT: NORTHERLY, EASTERLY

SLOPE: 4(0-10)%




202

G10: Aw/Thimbleberry(Populus tremuloides/Rubus parviflorus)

n=8 Nutrient rich seepage occurs at some point in the growing season in this community type favouring thegrowth of thimbleberry. On these sites thimbleberry is very common south of the Crowsnest Pass and is generallyreplaced by cow parsnip north of the Pass. Succession on these sites will be from aspen to pine and then to whitespruce. Forage productivity on these sites is generally quite high because of the favourable moisture and nutrientconditions. Thimbleberry is generally unpalatable to livestock, but if the site has an abundance of cow parsnip itmay be extensively utilized. This community type should be rated as secondary range.



TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 1 0-5 33ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 70 30-90 100BALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 3 0-21 25SHRUBSWHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 4 0-12 63THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 39 11-66 100SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 6 0-15 63SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 6 0-33 50FORBSWILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 4 0-11 88SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 3 0-11 75COW PARSNIP(Heracleum lanatum) 4 0-24 38VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 5 0-13 75NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreale) 1 0-3 63WILD WHITE GERANIUM(Geranium richardsonii) 4 0-10 88GRASSESHAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 1 0-3 25PINE GRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)4 0-15 38KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 1 0-15 50


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBHYGRIC TO MESIC


ELEVATION: 1633(1562-1707)M

ASPECT: SOUTHERLY

SLOPE:15(5-20)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL




203

G11: Aw/Cow parsnip(Populus tremuloides/Heracleum lanatum)

n=6 Nutrient rich seepage occurs at some point in the growing season favouring the growth of cow parsnip.Thiscommunity type is very similar to the Aw/Thimbleberry community, but is more common north of the Crowsnest Pass.Forage productivity on these sites is generally quite high because of the favourable moisture and nutrient conditions.Cow parsnip is palatable to livestock and maybe extensively utilized. This community type should be rated assecondary range.


0.45(0.15-0.65) AUM/AC



SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 2 0-6 71WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 4 0-15 57

FORBSCOW PARSNIP(Heracleum lanatum) 30 3-65 100VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 7 0-17 86SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 6 0-12 86STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 3 0-6 86FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium) 7 1-32 86

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)6 9-19 57SMOOTH WILDRYE(Elymus glaucus) 3 0-7 57


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBHYGRIC TO MESIC


ELEVATION: 1502(1402-1615)M

ASPECT: SOUTHERLY

SLOPE: 14(0-20)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: MOD. WELL




204

G12: Pb/Thimbleberry(Populus balsamifera/Rubus parviflorus)

n=2 This community type was described in the Southend allotment just north of Waterton Lakes NationalPark. It was found in a moist, nutrient rich, lower slope position, which favours the growth of both balsampoplar and thimbleberry. It is very similar to the Aw/Thimbleberry community previously described, but thehigher elevation is out of the range of growth conditions for aspen. As a result, balsam poplar dominates thesite.



TREESBALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 68 50-85 100ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 22 3-40 100SHRUBSTHIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 39 30-58 100WILLOW (Salix spp.) 15 0-30 50SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 13 6-20 100 FORBSJESSICA’S STICKSEED(Hackelia jessicae) 5 0-10 50SMOOTH SWEET CICELY(Osmorhiza chilensis) 3 0-6 50CANADA VIOLET(Viola canadensis) 4 1-7 100BANEBERRY(Actaea rubra) 13 6-20 100GREEN FALSE HELLEBORE(Veratrum eschscholtzii) 3 0-6 50

GRASSESALASKA ONION GRASS (Melica subulata) 1 0-2 50NODDING TRISETUM(Trisetum cernuum) 2 1-3 100




ELEVATION: 1564(1420-1707) M

SLOPE: 4%

ASPECT: SOUTHEAST





205

G13: Pb/Cow parsnip/Kentucky bluegrass(Populus balsamifera/Heracleum lanatum/Poa pratensis)

n=2 This community type occupies subhygric, lower slope positions. It is similar to the Pb/Thimbleberrycommunity type previously described, but lacks the cover of thimbleberry. Generally, thimbleberry is replaced bycow parsnip north of the Crowsnest Pass. The high moisture and nutrient content of this site make it highlyproductive. Domestic livestock find cow parsnip palatable. This community should be rated as secondary range.


0.45(0.15-0.65) AUM/AC


TREESBALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 67 60-74 100

SHRUBSSTICKY CURRANT(Ribes viscosissimum) 4 0-8 50ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 3 0-5 50

FORBSSHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 13 0-25 50CANADA VIOLET(Viola canadensis) 12 0-24 50SWEET CICELY(Osmorhiza chiiensis) 6 0-11 50COW PARSNIP(Heracleum lanatum) 9 8-10 100VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 3 1-6 100

GRASSESSEDGE(Carex spp.) 6 0-11 50KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 10 10-10 100




ELEVATION: 1387(1350-1424) M

SLOPE: 3 %

ASPECT: SOUTHWEST




GRASS 4FORB 856SHRUB 1010TOTAL 1870 *ESTIMATE

206

G14: Pb/Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass(Populus balsamifer/Symphoricarpos occidentalis/Poa pratensis)

n=12 This community is very similar to the Pb/Snowberry dominated community described by Archibald et al.(1996) on moist lower slope positions where seepage occurs in the spring or after heavy rain. It is also similar tothe Spruce-Pb/Snowberry previously described, but this community is not as successionally advanced. The highmoisture and nutrient content of the site makes this community highly productive, but the majority of theproduction is coming from snowberry which is generally unpalatable to livestock at proper stocking levels. Thiscommunity should be rated as secondary range.



TREESBALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 58 30-65 100

SHRUBSSNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis,S. albus) 31 1-54 100THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 1 0-3 50WATER BIRCH(Betula occidentalis) 8 0-44 33

FORBSCANADA VIOLET(Viola canadensis) 12 0-30 78WILD WHITE GERANIUM(Geranium richardsonii) 5 0-10 79VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum occidentalis) 6 0-15 78DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 6 1-20 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 3 0-5 69

GRASSESTIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 6 0-40 56KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 9 0-80 11




ELEVATION: 1450(1261-1527) M

SLOPE: 1(0-2)%

ASPECT: NORTH

SOIL DRAINAGE: MOD.WELL TO WELL




207

G15: Aw-Pb/Birch-Willow(Populus tremuloides/Betula occidentalis-Salix glauca)

n=2 This community was described adjacent to a pond in the Southend allotment just north of Waterton LakesNational Park. Both water birch and smooth willow are well adapted to growing adjacent to streams and ponds.What is unusual about this community is the high aspen and pinegrass cover. Aspen and pinegrass are usuallyassociated with more mesic sites. The high cover of willow, water birch and aspen limit the light reaching the forestfloor. Therefore there is only moderate production for domestic livestock. This community should be rated as non-use.



TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 45 0-90 50WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 2 0-4 50BALSAM POPLAR(Populus balsamifera) 30 0-60 50

SHRUBSWATER BIRCH(Betula occidentalis) 21 20-21 100SMOOTH WILLOW(Salix glauca) 11 0-21 50SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 7 0-14 50BUFFALOBERRY(Shepherdia canadensis) 8 1-14 100

FORBSSHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 5 0-10 50STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 4 1-7 100WINTERGREEN(Pyrola asarifolia) 4 0-7 50SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 5 3-7 100VEINY MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum venulosum) 2 1-4 100

GRASSPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)7 0-15 100KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 5 1-10 100




ELEVATION: 1500(1400-1600)M

SOIL DRAINAGE: MODERATELY WELL TO POORLY




208

MONTANE CUTBLOCKS

In order to classify the cutblocks of the Montane subregion properly and understand thesuccessional sequences which occur after harvesting the preharvest community type and year thestand was harvested must be determined. This information was not available for thisclassification and therefore it was difficult to determine the successional pathways. For examplemany cutblocks in the Castle area and Porcupine Hills are not regenerating trees. It is not clear ifthese sites will always have difficulty growing trees because they were historically grasslands orif some other disturbance factor is influencing tree regeneration. Heavy grazing and competitionfrom grass species can influence tree regeneration, heavy grazing pressure was described on anumber of cutblocks in the Castle area. These cutblocks had been grazed so heavily that theagronomic species (Kentucky bluegrass, timothy and clover) dominated the sites and a numberof sites had been seeded with creeping red fescue which can compete with tree seedlings formoisture and nutrients.

Cutblocks can be an important source of forage for domestic livestock. They produce onaverage twice as much as deciduous stands and nearly three times more than conifer stands. Thisproduction varies from area to area in the Montane. Generally the production averages 1800 to1900 kg/ha in the Castle and Porcupine Hills and drops dramatically in the Gap area to 700kg/ha. It must be remembered that this increase in forage is only temporary. As the cutblockundergoes succession there will be a corresponding drop in forage production. Increases incarrying capacity after harvesting can be acquired through a temporary permit.

In order to understand the forage productivity on cutblocks between different areas ofthe Montane the cutblocks were split into the Gap, Castle and Porcupine Hills. It must beremembered that maximum forage productivity does not occur on a cutblock until it isapproximately 3 years old. One year old cutblocks will generally have less than half the totalproduction of a 3 year old block.

209

Table 5. Cutblock community types in the Montane subregion.Carrying

Community Community Productivity (kg/ha) Capacity number type Grass Forb Shrub Total Moisture Drainage (ha/AUM)_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cutblocks in Gap areaH1 Pine blocks 307 416 15 739 Mesic Well 2.5H2 Pine-Spruce blocks 112 580 692 Mesic Well 2.6

Cutblocks in Castle areaH3 Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy 1208 789 184 2181 Mesic Well 0.8H4 Creeping red fescue 503 704 457 1663 Mesic Well 1.1H5 Beaked sedge 3994 16 0 4010 Hygric Poorly 0.5H6 Subalpine fir 550 1106 190 1846 Mesic Well 2.6H7 Pine-Spruce/Pinegrass 689 804 58 1646 Mesic Well 2.6

Cutblocks in Porcupine HillsH8 Spruce-Pine blocks 707 95 62 864 Mesic Well 2.6H9 Douglas fir blocks 1710 528 191 2429 Mesic Well 2.6H10 Scarified blocks 2000* Mesic Well 2.6____________________________________________________________________________________________________________* Estimate

210

H1: Pine blocks (Gap)(Pinus contorta)

n=24 These cutblocks were described in the Gap allotment just north of Crowsnest Mountain. These blocksare probably more representative of the Subalpine subregion than the Montane.


0.16(0.09-0.23) AUM/AC

PLANT COMPOSITION CANOPY COVER (%)MEAN RANGE CONTS.


SHRUBSBRISTLY BLACK CURRANT(Ribes lacustre) 5 0-14 46

FORBSFIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)5 0-33 100STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 12 0-30 96HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 4 0-10 88DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 2 0-6 75SMOOTH ASTER(Aster laevis) 5 0-16 58

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)7 0-31 83SEDGE SPP.(Carex spp.) 5 0-21 58HAIRY WILDRYE(Elymus innovatus) 3 0-22 46


MOISTURE REGIME: Mesic


ELEVATION: 1767(1585-1890) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



211

H2: Pine-Spruce blocks (Gap)(Pinus contorta-Picea glauca)

n=6

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 2.6 (1.9-6.6) HA/AUM

0.16(.06-0.21) AUM/AC


TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 15 1-40 100LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 12 0-40 89

SHRUBSWILLOW SPP.(Salix spp.) 4 0-11 83

FORBSLINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 28 10-43 100WILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 28 18-41 100FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)7 3-12 100DANDELION(Taraxacum officinale) 3 1-4 100FIELD HORSETAIL(Equisetum arvense) 5 0-14 83

GRASSESSEDGE SPP.(Carex spp.) 22 12-34 100SLENDER WHEATGRASS(Agropyron trachycaulum) 5 0-10 50PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)2 0-11 17




ELEVATION: 1752(1707-1829) M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL


GRASS 112(0-276)FORB 580(0-950)TOTAL 692(276-954)

212

H3: Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy (Castle)(Poa pratensis-Phleum pratense)

n=12 This community type represents cutblocks that have been heavily grazed by livestock. Heavy livestock grazingfavours the growth of invaders Kentucky bluegrass and timothy. The grazing pressure which favours the growth ofthese grass species is usually detrimental to the growth of trees. Cattle damage to the conifer trees is usually tramplingdamage which scars the trees and breaks the stem.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.8(0.7-1.2) HA/AUM

0.5(0.33-0.58) AUM/AC


TREESWHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) T 0-2 8LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 1 0-8 33ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 8 0-90 8

SHRUBSWHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 2 0-10 42SASKATOON(Amelanchier alnifolia) 1 0-4 33

FORBSFIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)4 0-23 92STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 11 0-26 92ASTER SPP.(Aster spp.) 4 0-10 33YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 9 1-32 100

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 31 11-91 100SEDGE(Carex spp.) 9 0-47 33PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)7 0-30 67TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 7 0-45 58




ELEVATION RANGE :1491(1372-1707) M

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SLOPE: 9(0-32)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



213

H4: Creeping red fescue (Castle)(Festuca rubra)

n=7 This community type represents cutblocks that have been heavily grazed and seeded with creeping redfescue. Creeping red fescue a rhizomatous grass can quickly form a sod on the top of the soil, which makes itdifficult to grow trees. These seeded cutblocks can be very productive for domestic livestock, but it will be verydifficult to regenerate trees on these sites.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 1.1(0.7-2.4) HA/AUM

0.36(0.17-0.58) AUM/AC


TREES LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 1 0-9 14

SHRUBSWHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 3 0-13 28GREEN ALDER(Alnus crispa) 8 0-54 43

FORBSSTRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 3 0-14 57SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 1 0-7 29LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 2 0-4 14CLOVER(Trifolium repens) 17 0-69 57FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)3 0-12 57

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 2 0-8 43TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 3 0-15 57CREEPING RED FESCUE(Festuca rubra) 41 15-87 100




ELEVATION RANGE: 1560(1433-1829))M

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



214

H5: Beaked sedge(Castle)(Carex rostrata)

n=1 This community was described in a moist, poorly drained spot within a Pine-Spruce cutblock. It is morerepresentative of a wet sedge meadow. It is likely this community type will never grow trees because of the wetmoisture conditions. These sites can be very productive for domestic livestock. When situated within a cutblock thelivestock will utilize the drier edges of this community type extensively. This community type may also represent theonly water to be found within a cutblock.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.5 HA/AUM or 0.8 AUM/AC


FORBSNORTHERN WILLOWHERB(Epilobium ciliatum) 4 - 100SWAMP HORSETAIL(Equisetum fluviatile) 1 - 100

GRASSESBEAKED SEDGE(Carex rostrata) 93 - 100NARROW REEDGRASS(Calamagrostis stricta) 2 - 100


MOISTURE REGIME: HYGRIC


ELEVATION RANGE: 1430M




215

H6: Subalpine fir blocks (Castle) (Abies lasiocarpa)

n=9 These cutblocks represent higher elevation sites within the Castle area. Subalpine fir is usually indicativeof the Subalpine subregion (Archibald et al. 1996).

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE1.0 HA/AUM or 0.4 AUM/AC


TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 3 0-15 55WHITE SPRUCE(Picea glauca) 6 0-15 55SUBALPINE FIR(Abies lasiocarpa) 24 15-60 100

SHRUBSTHIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 17 0-54 78SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 1 0-2 44FALSE AZALEA(Menziesia ferruginea) 10 0-58 44

FORBSWILD STRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 10 0-20 78SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 3 0-9 67WESTERN MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum occidentalis) 4 0-14 67FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)9 1-29 100

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)4 0-17 44SEDGE SPP.(Carex spp.) 4 0-16 56KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 2 0-8 33




ELEVATION: 1652(1494-1798)M

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SLOPE: 21(8-37)%




216

H7: Pine-Spruce/Pinegrass (Castle)(Pinus contorta-Picea glauca/Calamagrostis rubescens)

n=56 This community type is typical of undisturbed cutblocks in the Castle area of the province. Many of thesecutblocks are not regenerating trees. It is not clear if these sites are not regenerating trees because they werehistorically grasslands or if some other factor is influencing tree regeneration.


0.16(.06-0.21) AUM/AC



SHRUBSWHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 3 0-10 64THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 3 0-21 41SNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 3 0-25 63

FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 11 0-28 89FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)5 0-34 84AMERICAN VETCH(Vicia americana) 3 0-11 71YELLOW PEAVINE(Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3 0-6 68SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 3 0-5 58

GRASSESPINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)15 0-42 64KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 4 0-6 71SEDGE SPP.(Carex spp.) 5 0-28 46TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 2 0-13 48




ELEVATION: 1529(1432-1800)M

ASPECT: VARIABLE

SLOPE: 13(0-33)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



217

H8: Pine blocks (Porcupine hills)(Pinus contorta)

n=4 This community type is typical of undisturbed cutblocks with northerly aspects in the Porcupine Hills.Many of these cutblocks are not regenerating trees. It is not clear if these sites will always have difficulty growingtrees because they were historically grasslands or if some other factor is influencing tree regeneration.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 2.6 (1.9-6.6) HA/AUM

0.16(.06-0.21) AUM/AC


TREESLODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 1 0-1 25ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 1 0-3 50

SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 4 0-6 75RASPBERRY(Rubus idaeus) 2 0-4 50WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 3 0-5 50THIMBLEBERRY(Rubus parviflorus) 2 0-7 25FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 2 0-7 75HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 4 0-9 75SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 4 0-8 75BUNCHBERRY(Cornus canadensis) 6 0-14 75

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 4 0-10 75PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)15 1-27 100

ENVRIONMENTAL VARIABLES





SLOPE: 13(10-15)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



218

H9: Douglas fir blocks (Porcupine hills)(Pseudotsuga menziesii)

n=4 This community type is typical of undisturbed cutblocks with south and west aspects in the Porcupine Hills.Many of these cutblocks are not regenerating trees. It is not clear if these sites will always have difficulty growingtrees because they were historically grasslands or if some other factor is influencing tree regeneration.


0.16(.06-0.21) AUM/AC


TREES

ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 1 0-3 25

SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 2 1-4 100RASPBERRY(Rubus idaeus) 5 0-14 75WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 2 1-4 100FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 3 1-7 100HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 5 0-10 75SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 9 3-15 100BUNCHBERRY(Cornus canadensis) 4 0-8 75

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 16 8-31 100PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)10 0-32 75


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBMESIC-MESIC




SLOPE: 16(10-30)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



219

H10: Scarified blocks (Porcupine hills)(Pinus contorta)

n=6 This community type is typical of scarified cutblocks with south and west aspects in the Porcupine Hills.The forest industry often scarifies harvested blocks to increase bare soil when planting conifer seedlings.Scarification rapidly changes the species composition of the block. Ungrazed scarified blocks are often dominatedby raspberry, thistle, dandelion, clover and invasive agronomic species like timothy and Kentucky bluegrass.


0.16(.06-0.21) AUM/AC


TREES

ASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 9 0-20 75

SHRUBSROSE(Rosa acicularis) 5 1-13 100RASPBERRY(Rubus idaeus) 3 0-4 75WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 3 0-7 50FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 3 1-4 100HEART-LEAVED ARNICA(Arnica cordifolia) 2 0-3 75SHOWY ASTER(Aster conspicuus) 8 2-21 100CANADA THISTLE(Cirsium arvense) 2 0-4 75

GRASSESHAIRY WILD RYE(Elymus innovatus) 7 1-15 100PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)6 1-12 100TIMOTHY(Phleum pratense) 14 3-19 100KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 8 4-9 100


MOISTURE REGIME: SUBMESIC-MESIC




SLOPE: 16(10-30)%

SOIL DRAINAGE: WELL



220

MONTANE SUBREGION

CYPRESS HILLS ECODISTRICT

Photo 11. This photo is typical of the mosaic of plant communities found in the CypressHills. The northerly aspects are dominated by trees and the south and western facing slopes aredominated by grasslands with shrubs growing in the moist draws.

221


The Cypress Hills ecodistrict is an unglaciated plateau ranging in elevation from about1300 m in the east to1465 m at the highest point. Once considered boreal foothills, the area hasbeen reclassified as montane given the bimodal summer precipitation peaks (June andSeptember), the potential for freezing temperatures in all months and the combination of closed-canopied lodgepole pine forest with fescue grassland (Strong and Leggatt 1992). Soil parentmaterials are somewhat unique on the plateau where ancient tertiary gravels are exposed, or, maybe capped by a variable veneer of loess; fine silty material deposited by wind from post glaciallake beds to the west of the plateau. Soils are mostly Black Chernozems where grasslandvegetation has dominated. Thelma soils are loamy Orthic Black Chernozems associated withrough fescue communities on the top of the bench. Also associated with rough fescue cover,Delmas and Marmaduke soil series are gravel and shallow to gravel Orthic Dark BrownChernozems found on the shoulder of the escarpment. Orthic Dark Grey Luvisols, like the soilsseries Reesor (loamy) have developed where lodgepole pine or aspen forest have prevailed(Greenlee 1981).

Plant communities described in the Cypress Hills are associated with the nearly levelplateau or the upper edges of the steep escarpment or rolling uplands. They include a mixture ofrough fescue grassland and closed canopy aspen and lodgepole pine dominated forests. TheRough fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb.) related plant communities of the Cypress Hills Plateauare unique in the relatively high canopy of Shrubby Cinquefoil (compared to fescue communitiesdescribed in southwestern Alberta and appears to be a function of the gravelly soil) and theabundance of Intermediate oat grass, a major subdominant grassland species (Moss 1955). Onthe steep, dry slopes Western Porcupine grass often replaces Intermediate oatgrass in thesegrassland communities. Idaho fescue also replaces Intermediate oatgrass on shallower soils withgentler slopes. An unresolved issue is the apparent expression of Rough fescue as the FoothillsRough fescue (F. campestris Rydb.) bunch grass type on the top of the plateau and the PlainsRough fescue (F. hallii Vassey) rhizomatous form on the adjoining slopes of the Cypress Hills.

222

Table 6. Plant community types of the Montane subregion and Cypress Hills ecodistrict.

Community Community Productivity(kg/Ha) Carryingname type Grass Forb Shrub Total Moisture Drainage capacity (ha/AUM)___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I. Cypress Hills ecodistrict

I1. Foothills rough fescue-Western porcupine grass 1361 62 - 1423 Submesic Well 0.6

I2. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Intermediate oatgrass 1980 278 - 2258 Mesic Well 0.4

I3. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Golden bean 1928* Mesic Well 0.5

I4. Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Idaho fescue 1850* Mesic Well 0.5

I5. Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy 1245* Mesic Well 0.7I6. Silverberry/Kentucky bluegrass 1250* Mesic Well 0.7I7. Pl-Aw/Bunchberry/Moss 243 433 30 706* Mesic Well 2.7__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Estimate

223

Key to grassland community types in the Cypress Hills ecodistrict

1. Shrubby cinquefoil or rough fescue dominatedsites............................................................................................................................ 2Moister sites dominated by snowberry orsilverberry.................................................................................................................. 5

2. Shrubby cinquefoil dominatedcommunities............................................................................................................... 3Shrubby cinquefoil greatly reduced, site is found on slopes and dominated by Foothillsrough fescue andWestern porcupine grass........................................... Foothills rough fescue-Westernporcupine grass I1

3. Ungrazed communities dominated by rough fescue and codominated by Intermediateoatgrass or Idaho fescue............................................................................................ 4Patched grazed community dominated by rough fescue and golden bean .. Shrubbycinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Golden bean I3

4. Modal grassland community codominated by Intermediate oatgrass.. Shrubbycinquefoil/Foothills rough fescue-Intermediate oatgrass I2Site with shallower soils codominated by Idaho fescue....Shrubby cinquefoil/Foothillsrough fescue-Idaho fescue I4

5. Seepage area dominated by silverberry................ Silverberry/Kentucky bluegrass I6Seepage area dominated by snowberry................ Snowberry/Kentucky bluegrass I5

224

I1. Foothills Rough Fescue - Western Porcupine Grass(Festuca campestris - Stipa curtiseta) Shrub Herbaceous

n=10 This is the reference plant community for thin break and gravel range sites in the upper slopes of theCypress Hills. There remains some uncertainty about the species of rough fescue found from the upper slopes ofthe Cypress Hills, down slope to the lower slopes of the mixed grassed. On the Cypress Hills bench, rough fescueexpresses as a bunch grass and then as a sod forming species as you progress downslope. Genetic studies proposedby Agriculture Canada may clear up this point of confusion in the future. Coupland (1961) described this plantcommunity and our analysis suggests that it is found on the drier thin break and gravel influenced sitesadjoining the Cypress Hills plateau and upper slopes. This community is very similar to the MGA1 community inthe adjoining mixed grass natural subregion. Subdominant species in this community more closely resemble theshrubby cinquefoil/rough fescue-Intermediate oatagrass community of the plateau, while the MGA1 more closelyresembles the adjoining dry mixed grass prairie. Mid-summer aridity is a common feature of these rangeland soilsgiven their exposure and coarse texture. Conservative stocking rates are needed to require adequate litter.Productivity data is presented from the Blue Field rangeland reference area.Soil Exposure: 6 % (0-17) Moss/Lichen Cover: 3 % (0-11) Total Vegetation: 84 % (67-95)



SHRUBSSILVERBERRY (Elaeagnus commutata) 1 0-5 30COMMON WILD ROSE(Rosa woodsii) 4 0-13 70FORBSGOLDEN BEAN (Thermopsis rhombifolia)4 0-8 90PASTURE SAGEWORT (Artemisi frigida) 2 0-5 80

GRASSESFOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 18 9-36 100 WESTERN PORCUPINE GRASS (Stipa curtiseta) 10 4-20 100 SEDGE (Carex spp.) 6 0-27 70 NORTHERN WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron dasystachyum)6 0-15 70 HOOKER’S OAT GRASS (Helictotrichon hookeri) 5 0-13 90JUNE GRASS(Koeleria macrantha) 4 0-15 90BLUEBUNCH FESCUE(Festuca idahoensis) 3 0-18 60KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 2 0-9 30

ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLESRANGE SITE

THIN BREAKS, GRAVEL SOILS

ORTHIC BLACK (DEMPSTER)ORTHIC DARK BROWN (DELMAS,MARMDUKE)

ELEVATION (M): 1395SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL DRAINED

SLOPE :STRONG SLOPE

ASPECT:SOUTHERLY


FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)GRASS 1361 (831-1804)FORB 62 (11-188)SHRUB NOT AVAILABLETOTAL 1423LITTER 1039 (613-2311)

225

I 2. Shrubby Cinquefoil/Foothills Rough Fescue - Intermediate Oat Grass (Potentilla fruticosa/Festuca campestris - Danthonia intermedia) Shrub Herbaceous

n=37 This is the reference plant community for loamy and shallow-to-gravel range sites on top of the CypressHills plateau at about 1400 m elevation, and is associated with Thelma (THA) soils, orthic black chernozemsdeveloped on loess deposits over tertiary gravels. Rough fescue expresses itself as the F. campestris, bunch grasstype on the plateau while it appears as F. hallii, the rhizomatous type on the upper breaks and slopes of the plateau. This plant community has been described by Moss (1955) and Coupland (1961) who noted intermediate oatgrassas key subdominant species to rough fescue on the Cypress Hills plateau, vs. Parry’s oatgrass in montanegrasslands of southwestern Alberta (Willoughby et al 2001). Shrubby cinquefoil contributes a much higher canopycover in this community type at a mean cover of 14% versus about 3% in the foothills Montane communitydescribed by Willoughby et al 2001. Shrubby cinquefoil, intermediate oatgrass, Idaho fescue and a number of forbspecies will increase with grazing pressure. With control of wildfires, this community appears to be vulnerableto conifer encroachment, especially lodgepole pine. Like foothill rough fescue communities, this community tendsto have low soil exposure and a low cover of moss and lichen. The community is highly productive and in theabsence of grazing or fire will produce a very heavy litter build up. In the absence of grazing rough fescue willgrow to the exclusion of other species (Moss and Campbell 1947).Soil Exposure: 0(0-1) Moss/Lichen Cover: 3 % (0-98) Total Vegetation: 90 % (4-98)



SHRUBSSHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 14 0-47 95FORBSSILVERY PERENNIAL LUPINE (Lupinus argenteus) 3 0-11 51THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 4 0-17 73NORTHERN BEDSTRAW(Galium boreale) 3 0-10 92COMMON YARROW(Achillea millefolium) 1 0-3 92GRASSESFOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 38 11-80 100 INTERMEDIATE OAT GRASS (Danthonia intermedia) 12 0-42 95BLUEBUNCH FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 3 0-22 76 SUN-LOVING SEDGE (Carex pensylvanica) 3 0-11 81 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron unilaterale) 1 0-6 57KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 1 0-11 41

NORTHERN WHEAT GRASS(Agropyron dasystachyum)1 0-12 35ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLESRANGE SITE

LOAMY, SHALLOW TO GRAVEL SOILS

ORTHIC BLACK (THELMA)OTHIC DARK BROWN (MARAMDUKE)

ELEVATION (M): 1400SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL DRAINED SLOPE :LEVELECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 24FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)

GRASS 1980 (1577 - 2650)FORB 278 (130 - 550)SHRUB NOT AVAILABLETOTAL 2258LITTER 2959 (1902 - 5405)

226

I3. Shrubby Cinquefoil / Foothills Rough Fescue -Golden Bean (Potentilla fruticosa / Festuca campestris - Thermopsis rhombifolia) Herbaceous Shrub

n=17 This is a mid to late seral plant community on loamy and shallow-to-gravel range sites on the top of theCypress Hills plateau, and is associated with orthic black chernozems (Thelma) and orthic dark browns(Marmaduke). This plant community has a mixed structure of lightly grazed and heavily grazed patches thatresults in many fescue grasslands as a result of light stocking and summer grazing use. Cattle will graze roughfescue more uniformly under winter grazing use but under summer grazing will often choose other associatedspecies first (Willms and Rode 1997). More heavily grazed micro patches will be dominated by intermediateoatgrass and forbs and taller and more rank cover will be dominated by shrubby cinquefoil and rough fescue.

Soil Exposure: 1 % (0-6) Moss/Lichen Cover: 0 % (0-2) Total Vegetation: 96 % (88-98)




FORBSGOLDEN BEAN (Thermopsis rhombifolia)10 4-18 100SILVERY PERENNIAL LUPINE (Lupinus aregenteus) 4 0-16 53

GRASSESFOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 44 25-65 100 NORTHERN WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron dasystachyum)2 0-10 88 INTERMEDIATE OAT GRASS (Danthonia intermedia) 10 2-7 47SUN-LOVING SEDGE (Carex pensylvanica) 2 0-7 71 BLUEBUNCH FESCUE(Festuca idahoensis) 1 0-9 47SLENDER WHEAT GRASS(Agropyron unilaterale) 1 0-9 65 HOOKER’S OAT GRASS (Helictotrichon hookeri) 1 0-6 53JUNE GRASS(Koeleria macrantha) 1 0-2 53


RANGE SITE LOAMY AND SHALLOW TO GRAVEL

SOILSORTHIC BLACK (THELMA)ORTHIC DARK BROWN (MARMADUKE)

ELEVATION (M): 1400 M

SOIL DRAINAGE:WELL DRAINED

SLOPE :LEVEL

ASPECT:NORTHERLY


FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)GRASS NOT AVAILABLEFORB NOT AVAILABLESHRUB NOT AVAILABLELITTER NOT AVAILABLETOTAL 1928 *ESTIMATE

227

I4. Shrubby Cinquefoil / Foothills Rough Fescue - Idaho Fescue (Potentilla fruticosa / Festuca campestris - Festuca idahoensis) Herbaceous Shrub

n=6 This is a reference plant community for shallow-to-gravel range sites on the Cypress Hills Plateau. Though the shrubby cinquefoil/foothills rough fescue - intermediate oatgrass community type is most common on theplateau, this community type occurs on similar soils but with thinner loess deposits over gravels (Thelma andMarmaduke). This community type tends to have a lower canopy cover of shrubby cinquefoil and a greater groundcover of moss/lichen compared to I2. With grazing pressure, Idaho fescue and forb cover will increasesignificantly.

Soil Exposure: 1 % (0-3) Moss/Lichen Cover: 18 % (0-98) Total Vegetation: 80 % (4 -98)




FORBSNORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 3 0-10 67ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 2 0-8 67SHINING ARNICA (Arnica fulgens) 2 0-7 50SLENDER BLUE BEARDTONGUE (Penstemon procerus) 1 0-6 50SILKY PERENNIAL LUPINE (Lupinus sericeus) 1 0-5 50 GOLDEN BEAN (Thermopsis rhombifolia) 1 0-3 50

GRASSESFOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 52 23-80 100 BLUEBUNCH FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 10 1-22 100INTERMEDIATE OAT GRASS (Danthonia californica) 9 2-19 100SUN-LOVING SEDGE (Carex pensylvanica) 1 0-2 67 SEDGE(Undifferentiated Sedge) 1 0-3 33


RANGE SITE SHALLOW TO GRAVEL

SOILSORTHIC BLACK (THELMA)ORTHIC DARK BROWN (MARMADUKE)

ELEVATION (M):1400


SLOPE :LELVEL

ASPECT:


FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)GRASS NOT AVAILABLEFORB NOT AVAILABLESHRUB NOT AVAILABLELITTER NOT AVAILABLETOTAL 1850* ESTIMATE

228

I5. Buckbrush / Kentucky Bluegrass - Timothy (Symphoricarpos / Poa pratensis - Phleum pratense) Shrub Herbaceous

n=3 This is a modified plant community where disturbance history has resulted in the replacement of nativespecies by invasive agronomic species and weeds. This plant community may provide reasonable forageproduction during wet years but will produce little forage in average moisture to dry years. Forage quality declinesrapidly as forages mature and the community has little value for dormant season grazing. Based on currentknowledge, there seems to be little potential for this community to recover to a native stand. Grazing managementshould aim to promote vigor and productivity of Timothy and Brome grass to reduce the relative cover ofKentucky bluegrass and provide more competition to weed species like Canada thistle.Soil Exposure: 0 % (0-0) Moss/Lichen Cover: 0 % (0-0) Total Vegetation: 98 % (98-98)

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.7HA/AUM OR 0.57 AUM/AC


SHRUBSBUCKBRUSH (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 25 19-30 100

FORBSCANADA THISTLE (Cirsium arvense) 5 0-10 67 COMMON GOAT’S BEARD (Tragopogon dubius) 5 0-14 33TUFTED WHITE PRAIRIE ASTER (Aster ericoides) 2 0-5 67GOLDEN BEAN (Thermopsis rhombifolia)2 0-4 67

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 39 22-66 100TIMOTHY (Phleum pratense) 5 0-14 67 AWNLESS BROME (Bromus inermis) 5 0-16 33 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS(Agropyron unilaterale) 1 0-4 33 NORTHERN WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron dasystachyum)1 0-3 33GREEN NEEDLE GRASS (Stipa viridula) 1 0-2 67FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 1 0-2 33


RANGE SITE LOAMY, GRAVEL, SHALLOW-TO-GRAVEL

SOILSORTHIC BLACK (DEMPSTER, THELMA)ORTHIC DARK BROWN (MARMADUKE)

ELEVATION (M):1400 M


SLOPE :NEARLY LEVEL

ASPECT:ECOLOGICAL STATUS SCORE: 8

FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)GRASS NOT AVAILABLEFORB NOT AVAILABLESHRUB NOT AVAILABLELITTER NOT AVAILABLETOTAL 1250*ESTIMATE

229

I6. Silverberry / Kentucky Bluegrass (Elaeagnus commutata / Poa pratensis) Shrub Herbaceous

n=1 The silverberry dominated plant communities occur on alluvial floodplain terraces, in V-shaped ravinesand swale-like depressions where overland flows provide additional moisture (Thompson and Hansen 2002).Where silverberry is very dense forage production is very low, however in more open stands livestock use can beextensive which leads to the invasion of Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy and dandelion. In the absence ofdisturbance silverberry dominated communities can undergo succession to aspen or balsam poplar and then whitespruce.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE0.7HA/AUM OR 0.57 AUM/AC


SHRUBSSILVERBERRY (Elaeagnus commutata) 30 - 100ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 20 - 100BEBB WILLLOW(Salix bebbiana) 10 - 100

FORBSDANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 10 - 100CLOVER (Trifolium repens) 10 - 100GIANT GOLDENROD (Solidago gigantea) 10 - 100CANADA THISTLE (Cirsium arvense) 1 - 100

GRASSESKENTUCKY BLUEGRASS(Poa pratensis) 10 - 100TIMOTHY (Phleum pratense) 20 - 100AWNLESS BROME (Bromus inermis) 3 - 100BALTIC RUSH(Juncus balticus) 10 - 100


RANGE SITE LOAMY, GRAVEL, SHALLOW-TO-GRAVEL

SOILSORTHIC BLACK (DEMPSTER, THELMA)ORTHIC DARK BROWN (MARMADUKE)

ELEVATION (M):1400 M


SLOPE :NEARLY LEVEL



FORAGE PRODUCTION (KG/HA)GRASS NOT AVAILABLEFORB NOT AVAILABLESHRUB NOT AVAILABLELITTER NOT AVAILABLETOTAL 1250*ESTIMATE

230

I7. Pl-Aw/Bunchberry/Moss(Pinus contorta-Populus tremuloides/Cornus canadensis/Pleurozium schreberi)

n=18 This community is found on northerly aspects, which probably escaped fire and disturbance, allowingsuccession to occur. Continued succession in the absence of disturbance will likely be to the Sw/Moss dominatedcommunity type. This community type is moderately productive for domestic livestock. The higher moistureconditions favour the growth of fireweed and aster spp. These species are moderately palatable to livestock. Thiscommunity type would be rated as secondary range for domestic livestock.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE STOCKING RATE 2.7 HA/AUM OR 0.15 AUM/AC


TREESASPEN(Populus tremuloides) 20 10-30 100LODGEPOLE PINE(Pinus contorta) 42 13-69 100

SHRUBSSNOWBERRY(Symphoricarpos albus) 4 0-21 83WHITE MEADOWSWEET(Spiraea betulifolia) 5 0-18 61ROSE(Rosa acicularis) 3 0-18 78

FORBSSTRAWBERRY(Fragaria virginiana) 4 1-8 100FIREWEED(Epilobium angustifolium)1 0-1 17LINDLEY’S ASTER(Aster ciliolatus) 4 0-9 94CANADA VIOLET(Viola canadensis) 2 0-10 67WESTERN MEADOW RUE(Thalictrum occidentale) 3 0-9 83

GRASSES MOUNTAIN RICEGRASS(Oryzopsis asperifolia) 10 0-30 89PINEGRASS(Calamagrostis rubescens)6 0-17 94

MOSS 46 12-65 100




ELEVATION: 1287M

ASPECT: NORTHERLY

SLOPE: 15(3-45)%

DRAINAGE: MODERATELY WELL



GRASS 243FORB 433SHRUB 30TOTAL 706*ESTIMATE

231

Literature cited

Adams, B.W., G. Ehlert, C. Stone, D. Lawrence, M. Alexander, M. Willoughby, C. Hincz, D.Moisey, and A.Bogen. 2003. Rangeland Health Assessment for Grassland, Forest andTame Pasute. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Public Lands Division.Edmonton. AB. Pub. No. T/044. 104pp.

Archibald, J.H., G.D. Klappstein and I.G.W. Corns. 1996. Field guide to ecosites of Southwestern Alberta. Nat. Resour.Can., Can. For. Serv., Northwestern Reg., North. For. Cent., Edmonton, Alberta. Spec. Rep. 8.

Bailey, A.W., M.G. Willoughby, R. Johansen and S. Smith. 1992. Management of Yukon Rangelands. Renewable Resources, Yukon Territorial Government, Whitehorse, Yukon. 55pp. ISBN- 1-55018-138-6.

Beckingham, J.D. 1994. Field guide to the ecosystems of Northern Alberta. Environmental Protection, Land and Forest Services, Edmonton, Alta. 352pp.

Beckingham, J.D., I.G.W. Corns and J.H. Archibald. 1996. Field guide to ecosites of West-central Alberta. Canadian Forest Service. Northwest Region. Northern Forestry Center.Special Report 9.

Bork, E. 1990. Clearwater allotment.: Prescribed burn vegetation survey, evaluation, anddiscussion. Range Management Section. Alberta Forest Service. Edmonton. AB. 29pp.

Corns, I.G.W. and P.L. Achuff. 1982.Vegetation, Chapter III. In W.D. Holland and G.M. Coen (editors). Ecological (Biophysical) Land Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks: Vol. II: Soils and Vegetation Resources. Editor,. Alberta Institute of Technology, Publication no. SS-82-44. 71-156.

Corns, I.G.W. and R.M. Annas. 1986. Field guide to forest ecosystems of West-Central Alberta. Northern Forestry Center, Canadian Forestry Service, Edmonton, Alta. 251pp.

Coupland, R.T. 1961. A reconsideration of grassland classification in the Northern Great Plainsof North American. J. Ecology. 49:135-167.

Craighead, J.J., F.C. Craighead and R.J. Davis. 1963. A field guide to Rocky Mountain wildflowers. Peterson field guide series. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston. 277pp.

Daubenmire, R. 1952. Forest vegetation of Northern Idaho and adjacent Washington and its bearing on concepts of vegetation classification. Ecol. Mongr. 22: 301-330.

Daubenmire, R. 1978. Plant Geography. Academic Press. San Francisco. 338pp.

232

Environmental Protection. 1994. Natural Regions of Alberta. Publication no. I/531.

Gauch, H.G. 1982. Multivariate analysis in community ecology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 298pp.

Gerling, H.S., M.G. Willoughby, A. Schoept, K.E. Tannas and C.A. Tannas. 1996. A guide to using native plants on distrubed lands. Alberta, Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and Environmental Protection. ISBN 0-7732-6125-7 245 pp.

Green, A. and A.L. van Ryswyk. 1982. Chernozems: Their Characterization and Distribution. .InA.C. Nicholson, A. McLean and T.E. Baker (editors) Grassland Ecology and

Classification Symposium Proceedings. British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Victoria, B.C. Publication no. R28-82060. pp 249-264.

Greenlee, G.M. 1981. Soil survey of Cypress Hills, Alberta and interpretation for recreationaluse. Earth Sciences Report 80-4. Alberta Research Council.

Holechek, J.L., R.D. Pieper and C.H.Herbel. 1995. Range management principles and practices.2ed . Prentice-Hall Inc. Engewood Cliff. New Jersey. Chapter 8.

Jaques, D. and J. Corbin. 1981. Shrub communities in the Elbow and Sheep River drainages, Kananaskis Country, Alberta: their floristic composition, distribution and browse availability/use by animals. Kananaskis Centre for Environmental Research. University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Johnston, C.G. 1981. Synecological relationships in the Billy Meadows area, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. U.S.For. Serv. Spec. Rep. Baker Oregon.

Kuchar, P. 1973. Habitat types of Waterton Lakes National Park. Alberta Energy and Natural Resources. 301 pp.

Lane, C.T., M.G. Willoughby and M.J. Alexander. 2000. Range plant community types andcarrying capacity for the Lower Foothills subregion. 3rd Approximation. AlbertaEnvironment. Land and Forest Service. Pub. No. T/532. 232pp.

La Roi, G.H. and R.J. Hnatiuk. 1980. The Pinus contorta forest of Banff and Jasper National Parks: a study in comparative synecology and syntaxonomy. Ecol. Mongr. 50:1-29.

MacKinnon, A., J. Pojar and R. Coupe (eds). 1992. Plants of Northern British Columbia. Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton, Alberta.

Morgantini, L.E. and W.B. Russell. 1983. An assessement of three selected elk winter ranges in the Rocky Mountains Region. Alberta Fish and Wildlife. Edmonton, AB. 265 pp.

233

Moss, E.H. and J.A. Campbell. 1947. The fescue grassland of Alberta. Can. J. Res. 25:209-227.

Moss, E. H. 1955. The vegetation of Alberta. Bot. Rev. 21: 493-567.

Moss, E.H. 1992. Flora of Alberta. University of Toronto Press. Toronto. 687pp.

Mueggler, W.F. 1988. Aspen community types of the Intermountain Region. U.S.D.A. Intermountain Research Station. INT-250. 133pp.

Mueggler, W.F. and W.L. Stewart. 1980. Grassland and shrubland habitat types of Western Montana. U.S.D.A. Intermoutain Research Station. INT-166. 155pp.

Pojar, J. 1982. Boreal and Subalpine grasslands of Northern British Columbia. In A.C. Nicholson, A. McLean and T.E. Baker (editors) Grassland Ecology and Classification Symposium Proceedings. British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Victoria, B.C. Publication no. R28-82060. pp 249-264.

Rangeland Resource Information System. 1991. Outline and guide, a proposal. Range Management Section, Alberta Forest Service, Edmonton, Alta. 19pp.

Range Survey Manual. 1992. Range Management Section, Alberta Forest Service. Edmonton, Alta. 39pp.

Stringer, P.W. 1973. An ecological study of grasslands in Banff, Jasper and Waterton National Parks. Can. J. Bot. Vol. 51. 383-411.

Strong, W.L. 1992. Ecoregion and ecodistricts of Alberta. Vol. 1. Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife, Land Information Services Division, Resource Information Branch, Edmonton, Alberta. T/244. 77pp.

Strong, W.L. and H.G. Anderson. 1980. Ecological land classification and evaluation reference manual. Resource Evaluation reference manual. Resource Evaluation Branch, Energy and

Natural Resources. Edmonton, Alta. 160pp.

Strong, W.L. and K.R. Leggat. 1992. Ecoregions of Alberta. Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife, Resource Information Branch, Edmonton, Alta. T/245. 77pp.

Strong, W.L. and J.M. Thompson. 1995. Ecodistricts of Alberta: Summary of Biophysical Attributes. Alberta Environmental Protection, Resource Data Division. Edmonton, Alta. Pub. no. T/319. 91pp.

Task Group on Unity in Concepts and Terminology. 1995. New concepts for assessement of rangeland condition. J. range Manage. 48:271-283.

234

Thompson, W.H. and P.L. Hansen. 2002. Classification and Management of Riparian andWetland Sites of Alberta’s Prairie Biome. Bitterroot Restoration Inc. Corvallis,Montana. 416 pp.

Tisdale, E.W. 1982. Grasslands of Western North America: The Pacific Northwest Bunchgrass type. In A.C. Nicholson, A. McLean and T.E. Baker (editors) Grassland Ecology and Classification Symposium Proceedings. British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Victoria, B.C. Publication no. R28-82060. pp 223-246.

Tisdale, E.W. 1947. The grasslands of the southern interior of British Columbia. Ecol. 28:346-382.

Westoby, M., B. Walker and I. Noy-Meir. 1989. Opportunistic management for rangelands not atequilibrium. J. of Range Manage. 42:266-274.

Willms, W.D., L.M. Rode and B.S. Freeze. 1998. Protein supplementation to enhance theperformance of pregnant cows on rough fescue grasslands in winter. Can. J. Anim. Sci.78: 89-94.

Willoughby, M.G. 1992. Rangeland Reference Areas, Plant communities, ecology and response to grazing in Division 1. Forestry, Lands and Wildlife, Alberta Forest Service, Edmonton,Alta. T/266, 46pp.

Willoughby, M.G. and M.J. Alexander. 2000. A range condition dilemma. Rangelands 22:23-26.

Willoughby, M.G.. 2001. Range plant community types and carrying capacity for the UpperFoothills Subregion. Environmental Protection. Land and Forest Services. Edmonton, Alberta. Pub. No. T/003 119pp.

Willoughby, M.G. and D. Downing. 1995. Deciduous plant communities and carrying capacity for the Boreal Ecoprovince of Alberta. Alberta Environmental Protection. Edmonton. Publ. no. T/312. 136pp.

Willoughby, M.G. 1995. The effect of grazing on deciduous plant communities in the Boreal Ecoprovince of Alberta. Proc. Fifth Int’l Rangeland Congress, Salt Lake City, Utah. 608-609.

Willoughby, M.G. 1999. Range plant community types and carrying capacity for the Subalpineand Alpine subregions. Environmental Protection, Land and Forest Service. Edmonton,Alta. Pub no. T/438. 109 pp.

Willoughby, M.G. 1996. Rangeland reference areas: Castle River range condition and trend from1953-1995. Environmental Protection, Lands and Forest Services. Edmonton, Alta. 10pp.

235

Wroe, R.A., S. Smoliak, B.W. Adams, W.D. Willms and M.L. Anderson. 1988. Guide to range condition and stocking rates for Alberta grasslands. Forestry, Lands and Wildlife, Edmonton, Alta. 33pp.

Documents

Range Plant Community Types and Carrying Capacity for the … · 2016-03-03 · i RANGE PLANT COMMUNITY TYPES AND CARRYING CAPACITY FOR THE MONTANE SUBREGION Sixth approximation (Please